^_ 



STORY 



Co. F, 23d Massachusetts Volunteers 



WAR FOR THE UNION 



J86I-I865 



BY/ 

HERBERT E. VALENTINE 
(guidon) 



BOSTON : 

W. B. CLARKE & CO. 

340 Wash I NO TON Streki" 
1896 









Alfeed Mudge & Son, Printers, 
Boston, Mass. 



c 



To ttie Frierids 



WHO 

IN THE HOME PATIENTLY WAITED AND SILENTLY ENDURED, WATCHING FOR THE 

COMING OF LOVED ONES, SOME OF WHOM NEVER RETURNED, 

THIS SIMPLE RECORD OF ABSENCE 

IS 



ClffectionatclY inscribe!). 



PREFACE. 



A GENERATION has passed away since there gathered in the barracks 
on Winter Island, Salem Harbor, a goodly company, of men we write 
by courtesy, though many among them were mere boys, who there 
began that unaccustomed life to which, by the terms of their enlistment, 
they were bound for three long years. 

Claiming for the members of this company no superiority over others 
in point of natural ability, certainly no larger measure of patriotism, we 
yet believe the organization worthy of record, in that it was a repre- 
sentative body, exhibiting in its personnel that self-sacrificing spirit, 
characteristic of our American soldiery, which led so many to lay 
themselves upon the altar, wilhngly to endure the hardships of those 
years of fratricidal strife, and whose unwavering courage made possible 
ihe final success of our arms at Appomattox. 

Coming fresh from the schools or from the various occupations of 
civil life, a few only equip"ped with more than the ordinary common 
school education, — the glory of New England, — it may be said to have 
been a company of typical New Englanders who had enlisted for a 
principle, and who in its behalf would not and did not hesitate to yield 
up life itself. 

It was essentially an Essex County company, — ninety-four per cent of 
its original membership of one hundred and one coming from Essex 
County towns, nearly seventy per cent enlisting from Salem alone. 

It may be conceived that at this late date material for a connected 
history of a unit organization, like the company, would be wholly 
insufficient ; and had it not been for the diary-keeping propensities of 
some members, the author would have been discouraged at the start. 
At best it was hard to fill some gaps. If, as suggested by one corre- 
spondent, he could only have drawn on a fairly vivid imagination, the 
difficulty would have been lessened, but he did not set out to write 
fiction and has been much hampered by that fact. 



vi PREFACE. 

There is no attempt in these pages to describe campaigns, battles, 
or the movement of troops. In time of action, with rare exceptions, 
the private soldier sees nothing, and, it may be said, cares nothing for 
what is going on beyond his own immediate vicinity ; and the reader 
who desires an exhaustive account of Roanoke or New Berne, Drury's 
Bluff or Cold Harbor, will seek elsewhere. If he is content to follow 
this record he will notice that it is largely made up of personal 
experiences, and the author hopes that this fact will not detract from 
the interest with which the reader will peruse the story. 

As historian of Company F and for recent years a persistent gatherer 
of facts and dates concerning its members, he earnestly entreats his 
comrades to notify him of any events interesting to the organization, 
especially deaths and changes of address, always giving dates if possible. 

He takes a pardonable pride in recording here that, largely through 
his efforts, we have accurate knowledge of ninety-three and nine tenths 
per cent of the company's total membership of one hundred and thirty- 
two. To-day we knotv that there are sixty-six living members ; that 
fifty-eight are dead, and only eight remain of whom we have no 
knowledge whatever. It is doubtful if there is another company of 
which as much can be said, thirty years after the war. 

The roster is as complete as it is possible to make it. Based upon 
the work of our regimental historian, to whose carefulness the author 
gladly bears testimony, it has been brought down to date and contains 
information not at hand when the regimental roster was made. The 
present addresses of surviving members are given, a feature which will 
be appreciated by all. 

It is with feelings of relief that your historian now tenders this 
volume as the result of hours of anxious thought and careful labor. 
That it has so much information concerning that far-off time is due to 
the help accorded by his many friends in the company, who have 
loaned their diaries, or at great pains have written up the various 
phases of our army life. The 23d History Committee, through its 
chairman, John Gray, a member of the company, has kindly allowed 
him free access to material gathered for the regimental record, and it 
has been of great service, particularly in confirming dates. The names 
of those who have thus assisted him, and who constitute his authorities 
on many points, will be found referred to in foot-notes. To one and 



PREFACE. Vll 

all he tenders hearty thanks, trusting his comrades will look with 
leniency upon defects, of whose existence he is all too conscious. 
And now, with best wishes for further happy and useful years ; with 
acknowledgment of the loving care of Him who " covered our heads 
in the day of battle," he subscribes himself. 

Faithfully and fraternally their Comrade, 

H. E. VALENTINE. 



No. 1098 Broadway, 

West Somerville, Jan. 18, 1896. 



ABBREVIATIONS. 



Amb., 


Ambulance. 


N. B., 


New Berne. 


Andvlle., 


Andersonville. 


N. C. S., 


Non-Commissioned Staff 


Assgnd., 


Assigned. 


0. W. D., 


Order War Dept. 


Bd., 


Buried. 


Pbg., 


Petersburg. 


B., 


Born. 


Pris., 


Prisoner. 


Civ., 


Civilian. 


Prin. Mus., 


Principal Musician. 


C. H., 


Cold Harbor. 


Prom., 


Promotion. 


Conimy., 


Commissary. 


P. M., 


Postmaster. 


Cordr., 


Cordwainer. 


Rec. Serv., 


Recruiting Service. 


Cnrpl., 


Corporal. 


Re-end , 


Re-enlisted. 


Det., 


Detailed. 


Reg., 


Regimental. 


Detchd., 


Detached. 


R., 


Reunion. 


D. B., 


Drury's Bluff. 


Res., 


Resigned. 


Dis., 


Disability. 


Rke., 


Roanoke. 


Enrd., 


Enrolled. 


Sergt., 


Sergeant. 


Exp. of Serv., 


Expiration of Service. 


Sing., 


Single. 


Gd., 


Guard. 


Serv., 


Service. 


Harv. Coll., 


Harvard College. 


Trans., 


Transferred. 


H.Q., 


Headquarters. 


U. D. C, 


Union Drill Club. 


K., 


Killed. 


V. R. C, 


Veteran Reserve Corps. 


Mar., 


Mariner. 


Wd., 


Wounded, or wounds. 


Mard,, 


Married. 


Whall, 


Whitehall. 


Med. Purv., 


Medical Purveyor. 







LLUSTRATIONS. 



Almy, Hiram H., 
Arrington, B. F., 
Arrington, James, Jr., 
Austin, Wm. R., 
Barnard, Samuel, Jr , 
Barrett, Geo. V., 
Bates, Charles H., 
Becker, Peter, 
Brooks, Samuel H , 
Browne, Ezra L., 
Bunker, Frank R., 
Burchstead, D. W., 
Carleton, J. G. S., 
Carlton, David, 
Caird, Francis S., 
Chappie, Wm. F. 
Cook, Jeremiah, 
Cook, Wm. S., 
Crocker, Josiah M., 
Daniels, Wm. F., 
Derby, Perley, 
Derby, Putnam T., 
Dodge, Andrew, 2d, 
Dodge, Geo. A., 
Driver, G. H. S., 
Edgerly, Chas. E., 
Emilio, Luis F., 
Emmerton, Geo. R., 
Emmerton, James A. 
Farley, James H., 
Field, Charles, 
Fischer, Wm. F., 
Gray, John, 
Grosvenor, E. P., 
Hamblet, Samuel H., 
Hayward, C. H., 
Hiltz, Jacob C, 
Hinckley, Geo. O., 
Hobbs, Edw. F., 
Jenness, Lorenzo, 
Johnson, Eben N., 
Lee, Francis H., 
Manning, Charles, 



38 

40 

42, 144 

44. 144 
144 

79 

9 

144 

46 

48, 144 

50 

52, 144 

26 

116 

144 

144 

144 

54 

56, 144 

60, 144 

144 

~H4 
62, 144 

68 
70, 144 

72 

75 
12 

30 
144 
144 

76, 144 
144 
116 

80, 144 

22, 144 
84 
116 
144 
144 
116 

24, 144 
86 



Manning, J. Albert, 96 

Mansfield, Geo. S., 32, 144 

Martin, Henry, 98 

Monroe, Alexander, 102 

McDuffie, A. P., 144 

Newhall, George, 144 

Osborne, Fred. M., 144 

Prime, Wm. H. H., 104 

Putnam, Edw. B., 108 

Reed, Benj. A., no, 144 

Robbins, Louis L., 34 

Rose, Stephen C, 114, 144 

Scriggins, J. C, 144 

Shaw, Brown E., 120 

Southward, Samuel S., 124, 144 

Swaney, William H., 116 

Tarbox, Samuel, 144 

Tibbetts, Alvah, 116 

Tilton, John P., 128, 144 

Thomas, Eli C, 116 

Thomas, Richard H., 144 

Trowt, Andrew D., 132, 144 

Upham, O. W. H., 136, 144 

Valentine, H. E., 14, 144 

Waldron, John, 144 

Wallis, David B., 138 

Waters, Henry F., 36 

Wheeler, Richard P., 20 
Whipple, Geo. M., Frontispiece and 144 

Winchester, Silas, 116 

Woodbury, Josiah H., 140, 144 

Woodbury, Ilenry P., 91 

Groups. 

Prison-quota, 116 

Reunion at Clifton, 1889, 144 

Camps. 

Barracks on Fair ground, 92 

" Dale " (Stockaded tents), 89 

" Pendleton," 66 
Pollock Street quarters. New Berne, 59 
Room in Pollock St. " " " 64 

" Russell," 83 

" Schouler," 17 



CONTENTS 



CHAPTER I. 

The Union Drill Club. 

Civil Organization — Change to Military Basis — Uniform — Stand- 
ing IN THE Community — Duties Performed — Public Meetings — 
Recruiting — Young Men's Union — Sunday Service — Camp 
Bertram — Off for Lynnfield — " Curly " — Camp Life — Regi- 
mental Band — Recruit from Ipswich 



CHAPTER H. 
Lynnfield to Annapolis. 

The Departure — In New York — Quaker City Hospitality — The 
Steamer " Star " — Rain — Naval Academy — Hustling through 
College — Ablutions and Song — " Cameron, Dress Up " — Camp 
John A. Andrew — Pilgrims — Beginnings — California Furnaces 
— Thanksgiving — Hucksters vs. Sutler — Drowned Out — 
Mustered In — First Regimental Oven — Mock Court Martial — 
"It's a Highway" — " Barbuz SnoPd: " — Details 



CHAPTER HI. 

Annapolis to Roanoke. 

Break Camp — On Board the " Highlander " — Burning Schooner — 
Sailing Signals — Fog — At Fortress Monroe — First Glimpse 
OF the Rebel Flag — On the Ocean — Severe Gale — Boat 
Capsized and Rescue — Cross the Swash — Life at Hatteras 
— Scarcity of Water — Signs — Sail for Roanoke Isiand — 
The Great " Armada " — Fight between Gunboats and Batter- 
ies — Troops Land — Mud — F's Gun-quota — Dismal Bivouac 31 



X CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER IV. 

Roanoke Island and New Berne. 

On the Move — First Baptism by Fire — "A Deep Tangled Wild- 
vvooD " — Retreat of the Enemy — Victory and Pursuit — 
" White Man got to Work Now " — Flapjacks — Re-embark- 
ation — Hatteras Again — Landing at Slocum's Creek — 
Dreary Bivouac— The First Gun — Lieut. Col. Merritt — 
Enter the Battery — Rejoicing of the Negroes — The Burning 
Bridge 4" 

CHAPTER V. 
Early Days in North Carolina. 

In the Rebel Camp — Scouting — Capt. Whipple's Horse — On 
Picket — To Bay River — Doughnuts — Batchelder's Creek — 
Long Roll — Woods on Fire — Red House — Tuscarora — New 
Berne 53 



CHAPTER VI. 

On Patrol in New Berne. 

Company F's Quarters — N. C. O. Dinner — Ferd. Matthews — July 
4XH — John E. Whittredge — Market — Excitement in Third 
District — Promotions — Lieutenant Emmerton — Recruits — 
Bands mustered out — Captain Whipple's School — Last Night 
IN Pollock Street — Camp Pendleton — Thanksgiving — Knit 
Caps and Knapsack Drill — Rumors 59 



CHAPTER VII. 

The Goldsboro Expedition. 

The Rendezvous — Fog — Column in motion — Barricade — Cheer- 
less Night — Kinston — The Striped Flag — Whitehall — 
"Rally round the Flag " — Burning Woods — Home again . 69 



CONTENTS. XI 

CHAPTER VIII. 

The South Carolina Campaign. 

Good Bye to Camp Pendleton — Violent Storm — Sunday Morning 
Drill — To\ved out of Harbor — Port Royal — St. Helena Island 

— Convenient Wells — Pot of Money — Trouble in the Reci- 
ment — Promotions — No. Edisto River — Back to Hilton Head 

— Sail for North Carolina — New Berne once more ... 79 

CHAPTER IX. 

Camps and Tramps in North Carolina. 

Off for Little Washington — Captain Whipple Returns — On 
Board the Phoenix — Carolina City — "Tenting on the old 
Camp Ground " — Monitors for Martins — Captain Whipple 
Transfers Company Property — Furloughs — Captain Woodbury 

— Chas. M. Dow — Stocicaded Tents — From Camp Dale to Bar- 
racks at New Berne — Scout to Swansboro — Expedition to 
WiNTON — Off for Conscripts — Scout to Edenton ... 88 

CHAPTER X. 

To Virginia. 

Leave New Berne — In reduced Circumstances — j\ Tents — Quiet 
Days — Re-enlistments — Christmas Festivities — Target Shoot- 
ing — Getty's Station — Picket Duty — F's Actors — Smith- 
field Scout — E. C. Thomas 96 

CHAPTER XL 

Getty's Station to Drury's Bluff. 

Red Star Brigade — Orders — Yorktown — Review — Hailstorm — 
Once More Afloat — Up James River — Bermuda Hundred — 
Permanent Camp — Reconnoissances — Swift Creek — Drury's 
Bluff — Back to our Entrenchments 105 



xii CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XII. 
Cold Harbor. 

Leave Bermuda Hundred — At White House — On the Wrong Road 

— On Picket — Prisoners — The Charge of the Star Brigade 

— Sergeant Wallis recovers the Colors — General Stannard's 
Report — Experiences — Flag of Truce — Wounded of F — Back 

TO Point OF Rocks ii8 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Petersburg. 

Rejoin the Brigade — Camp in the Ravine — In the Trenches — 
Mortar Firing — " Petersburg Express " — Henry Martin — 
F. R. Bunker — Watermelons — Exchange of Papers — Burnside's 
Mine — Flag of Truce — Freshet in the Ravine— Curly and 
Shells — General Heckman 128 

CHAPTER XIV. 
Back to the Old North State. 

Embark for New Berne — Camp Chambers — Aunt Hannah — Yellow 
Fever — Non-rk-enlisted Leave for Home — Kinston Again — 
Patrolling New Berne — Fall in to be Mustered Out — Home 
at Last — The End 138 

The Roster 145 



»* 




CHARLES H. BATES, 
1st Lieut. 



COMPANY F, 23D MASS. VOL. INFANTRY. 



CHAPTER I. 

THE UNION DRILL CLUB. 

F COMPANY, of the 23d Mass. Regiment, like many 
others which served in the war for the Union, was the 
child of an earlier organization known as the Union 
Drill Club, which, on the twenty-second day of April, 
1 86 1, was born of the intense patriotism that was aroused in 
our ordinarily quiet and peaceful community, by the attack 
upon Fort Sumter and other closely related events. 

Its first meeting was held in the armory of the Salem 
Mechanic Light Infantry, Phosnix Building, Central Street, 
where the Club, with ninety names on the roll, organized upon 
a civil basis, with the following officers : — 

Presidc7it : Rev. George D. y^iLT)¥.s,Keclor of Grace Church. 
Vice-Presidents : George R. Emmerton, William P. Ui'ham. 
Secretary : Henry F. Waters. 
Treasurer : Stephen P. Driver. 

It was a short step, under existing war conditions, from a civil 
to a military basis, and the change was effected May 9, 1861, 
officers being- elected as follows : — 



George M. Whipple 
Joseph H. Webb 
Charles H. Bates 
Caleb H. Newcomb 
George R. Emmerton 



Captain. 
1st Lieutenant. 
2d Lieutenant. 
2,d Lieutenant. 
Ofth Lieutenants 



The uniform adopted consisted of Zouave jacket of gray flan- 
nel faced with blue, dark blue trousers and gray cap, all trimmedl 



10 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

with red. The officers wore a single-breasted frock coat (collar 
and cuffs of blue), and dark blue trousers ; blue straight visored 
cap, which, with the coat was trimmed with gold braid. 

As an indication of the standing of the Club in the community, 
it may be said that many prominent citizens of Salem and vicin- 
ity were greatly interested in it, freely giving both time and 
money in furtherance of the object for which it was organized. 

The names recorded below will show the kind of influence 
which stood behind the Club, and will in some degree account 
for its success : — 

Hon. Stephen P. Webb, Mayor of Salem. 
AsHAEL Huntington, Esq., Clerk of Courts. 
Hon. W. D. NoRTHEND, Senator for Essex. 
WiLLARD P. Phillips, Esq., Collector of Port. 
Allen W. Dodge, ¥.?,({., County Treasurer. 
Judge Otis P. Lord. 
Capt. John Bertram. 
Messrs. W. C. Endicott and E. W. Kimball. 

The clergy also participated in the good work for the cause, 
especially 

Rev. George D. Wildes, Rector of Grace Church, 

Rev. Willard Spaulding, Pastor of U7iiversalist Church. 

Dr. George W. Briggs, Pastor P'irst Unitarian Church. 

Rev. J. H. Thayer, Pastor Crombie Street Congregational Church. 

It may be of interest to record some of the duties performed 
by the Drill Club during the summer of 1861. 

July I, with other military companies of Salem, the Club took 
part in the reception and escort of the Coast Guard, Commodore 
R. B. Forbes commanding. 

It also formed part of the escort of the Salem Mechanic Light 
Infantry and the Salem City Guards, upon their return from 
three months' service. 

Sept. 16, it escorted Capt. E. A. P. Brewster's company 
(A of the 23d) to the cars, on its way to camp at Lynnfield. 



THE UNION DRILL CLUB, II 

But the hurry and rush of events, the sound of which was 
brought from the South on every passing breeze, intensified 
the warhke feehngs of the community, and the military ardor of 
the young men soon brought to the front the question of 
enhstment. 

The matter culminated at a meeting held Sept. 30, when 
Captain Whipple, at the suggestion of several members, intro- 
duced the all-absorbing theme. 

Resolutions were presented by Lieut. G. R. Emmerton to the 
effect that the members of the Club " will enlist for the war, 
provided the Commander can receive authority from the Gov- 
ernor of the State to raise a company, the nucleus of which shall 
be the present organization commanded by its own officers." 

Rev, Geo. D. Wildes, Major Henry Merritt of the 23d 
Regiment, and others, addressed the members, and the resolu- 
tions were unanimously adopted. Twelve names, headed by 
that of Corp. James A. Emmerton, afterward Assistant Surgeon 
and Historian of the 23d, were that evening secured on the roll 
of the new organization. — 

From that time there was a steady, a rapid growth, the short 
period in which the company was recruited being worthy of 
special mention. One writer* remarks, "several other organi- 
zations were almost as many weeks as we were days in filling 
their corps." 

Oct. 3, a public meeting, over which Mayor Webb presided, 
was held in Mechanic Hall. It was crowded to overflowing. 
Captain Brewster's Zouaves in their jaunty uniform added 
brilliancy to the scene, while spirited songs by the Amphions 
and stirring addresses by Messrs. Northend, Wildes, and Thayer 
kindled great enthusiasm. Captain Brewster made a short 
speech, and the following poem, dedicated to the Union Drill 
Club, was read by Rev. Willard Spaulding: — 

* Whipple, 



12 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

PATRIOTIC ODE 

DEDICATED TO THE UNION DRILL CLUB. 



Oct. 14, 1861. 



Rally, boys ! Come forth to fight 
For the Union, Law, and Right; 
For the Nation's honor, bright, 

Let us draw the sword ! 
By the wrongs vile traitors wrought, 
By the ruin they have brought. 
Tyranny of deed and thought, 

Forward, is the word ! 

See the northern pride and flower 
Gathering in this fateful hour ; 
Union is our strength and power, — 

Let us join the van ! 
Lay the traitors in the dust ; 
Die they shall and die they must ; 
They have broken every trust, — 

Forward every man ! 

Massachusetts calls to-day, 
Beck'ning to her sons away ; 
She no longer brooks delay — 

Not a man must lag ! 
Gird the sword and join the throng; 
Right must triumph over wrong ; 
In our cause we shall be strong, — 

Raise the starry flag ! 



Mrs. C. W, Upham. 



The Amphions closed the exercises with a fine rendering of 
Hohnes' " Army Hymn." 

Crowded meetings were held in many of the Essex County 
towns, and the interest thus extended added many names to the 
roll of the new company. 

The following notice is from the Boston Transcript of Oct. 7, 
1861: — 




GEORGE R. EMMERTON, 
2d Lieut. 



THE UNION DRILL CLUB. I3 

The Union Drill Club of Salem, being the nucleus of a company now forming for 
the war, the undersigned cheerfully give their approval of the organization, and attest 
to the high character of its officers and members, and assure the young men of this 
vicinity that they may enlist in this company under the most favorable auspices. 

Stephen P. Webb, Mayor of Salem. 

Wm. D. Northend, Senator for Essex. 

WiLLARD P. Phillips, Collector of Port. 

AsHAEL Huntington, Clerk of Courts. 

Allen W. Dodge, County Treasurer. 

Geo. D. Wildes, Rector of Grace Church. 

John Bertram. 

October 7, a recrtiiting office was opened by Captain Whip- 
ple at No. 3 I Washington Street, near the corner of Essex, on 
the site now occupied by Price's Block. 

A Salem paper of Oct. 7 printed the following : — 

For the War! 

THE UNION DRILL CLUB 
OF SALEM, 
Believing that the times urgently demand an 
increased activity among the Young Men of the 
country to aid in the suppression of Rebellion and 
assist in the contest for the Union, the Govern- 
ment, and the Laws, voted on Monday evening. 
Sept 30, to Enlist for the War; the Company of 
which the Club forms a nucleus will join the 23d 
Regiment, to be^ttached to 

GENERAL BURNSIDE'S BRIGADE. 

The undersigned, having received authority from 
His Excellency, Gov. Andrew, to raise a Company, 
cordially invites all Young Men of Salem and 
vicinity to enroll their names in this corps. Men 
enlisting in this Regiment receive a Bounty, which 
for a family of three persons is Twelve Dollars a 
month; also. One Hundred Dollars at the close of 
the War. 

The officers pledge themselves to use every 
exertion fcr the comfort and welfare of the men; 
a faithful and competent Commissary will be at- 
tached to the Company. JS®* Pay and Rations 
upon Enlistment. 

RECRUITING OFFICE, 

No. 31 Washington Street. 

GEO. M. WHIPPLE, Recruiting Officer. 
By order of Brig Gen W W BULLOCK, General 
Recruiting Officer Massachusetts Volunteers. 
Salem, Oct 7, 1S61 



4 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

At that early period of the war, recruiting was in its .olHfn 
age._a„d the .en who flocked to the support of the a^int 
and 62 were, m respect to character and principle tl,e bone 
and sinew of the Republic. 

are'r1'oi'dT"f rl"'""'"'"^ °'"" ~"P-^>' "'■•°- "-tory we 
bestowed a nan. which clun/toTcU a^ a Tonr:!:?:^ 

If tt reXr"" " "^'^ '^^^^ '^ -' ^°'-^°'-" ^>' «'e surv-::: 
.•nrcatd'i^tw:;";^ 't^'Z' "^"^""°" '-'^^"- 

*^^^ ^"^t some of Its members vverp 
o,ga„,zu,g a military company to aid in defence of the cou, 
y- The Hon. Ashael Huntington presided. Patriotic reso 
ZTt, T ^'r:'- '"" ^ ^°'""'"-- consisting of MessrT 
.. . ^3"c,oft, was apponited to raise by volunteer snh 

Su Id" ' n"' * '°^ "'^ ''"''' °f "- o^g-i-tion 
serv e ^f'tl r "'."'' ""''^ ""'^'^'' "^"'^-'s attended divine 
i^e Rev H Ta ^'^^^' ,C.°"g-g^'--l Church, at whic. 
Union DnU Clur ''d"' 1"' ™ enthusiastic member of the 

^ehveredl ^.J^:" Z::^^ '^^^ 1^ ''] "^^ ---"- 
to th^ ^ '^i^Louise. I he church was crowded 

mission. " "^"^ '^'"^ '"^"^'^ --■- --^'e to gain ad 

of serWc leT pa'sld t^ '^ ""'t '" ^'"'" '" «'-^' ''^>'^ 
obliged to cook fo o , "' "'""'"'■ t --^c^^ds ..we were 

t Hayward. ''""'P' ^''^" purchased at Fort Monroe. 




HISTORIAN. 



THE UNION DRILL CLUB. 1 5 

was both to the old and the new organizations a steadfast 
friend, this first sojourning place was named Camp Bertram, 

In the evening the company attended a meeting at Mechanic 
Hall. At the close of the exercises, which consisted of speeches 
by several gentlemen, and fine singing by the Amphions,* 
Major Henry Merritt of the 23d Regiment mustered the com- 
pany into service, the somewhat irregular ceremony being wit- 
nessed by a large audience. 

Though diarists abounded in the company, they have little to 
say of those early days. One writer well remembers the first 
night at Camp Bertram. The situation was entirely too novel 
for sleep. The hum of voices, peals of laughter, story, jest, and 
repartee filled the hours and made miserable the few who were 
disposed " to court the drowsy god." 

One of the newly-fledged soldiers evinced a strong desire to 
sing, the burden of his song being — 

'' Oh where have you been, Billy Boy, Billy Boy? 
Oh where have you been, charming Billy? " 

and the changes that we^e rung on the " cherry pie " (an aggra- 
vation, just as we were getting down to camp fare) made his 
unwilling listeners feel that " life would not be worth the living " 
if they were thus to be nightly entertained. 

Now and then some enthusiastic warrior would take his place 
in the open barracks and practise the manual of arms en 
solitaire. Once a toe obstinately obtruded itself between the 
floor and a descending musket-butt, and the night air became 
vocal with tones of anguish driven forth by a pair of strong 
country lungs, in the expressive words, " Gosh all hemlock." f 

* In i860 a male chorus was organized in Salem under the name of the "Amphi- 
ons." It was composed of twenty gentlemen, and its stirring music helped greatly to 
foster the war spirit among the young men of Salem. Quite a number of its members 
went into the service : S. P. Driver as Quartermaster Sergeant of the 23d, Francis H. 
Lee and H. E. Valentine enlisting in Company F, and the Club was disbanded in i S62 . 

t Hayward. 



l6 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

It is needless to add, that in t/iis company, enthusiasm in the 
matter of midnight drills expired at a very early day. 
The Salem Register of the 17th said : — 

" Up to last evening the Club had enlisted ninety-two men. The time at Camp 
Bertram is spent in Squad and Company Drills. This afternoon they will be glad to 
see their friends at the camp and no passes will be required." 

In response to this invitation, a large party of friends thronged 
the camp on Thursday afternoon, and it was a gala day for our 
embryo soldiers. 

Friday morning, Oct. 18, the company, ninety-four strong, 
left Winter Island and under escort of the unenlisted members 
of the Union Drill Club, Lieut. J. H. Webb, marched to South 
Danvers where cars were taken for Lynnfield. 

The fine appearance of the men, as reported by the papers of 
the day, attracted much attention. 

The weather was not propitious, but the rain which fell during 
the march had no power to dampen their ardor. From the 
station at Lynnfield the company was escorted to quarters by 
Company A and the regimental drum corps, thenceforth to be 
known as Company F of the 23d Mass. Vols., and, as before 
indicated, somewhat familiarly in the regiment as the " Jewels." 
In line of battle F was second company. 

As showing the excellent reputation enjoyed by the company, 
and the eagerness with which young men sought admission to 
its ranks, we quote from papers of the time : — 

" Captain Whipple's company has been filled up rapidly, and those who have enlisted 
in it from this city, as well as from the neighboring towns, are young men of fine 
appearance and quick intelligence. They manifest great interest in the drills, and 
will consequently soon be in excellent condition. The company contains a consider- 
able number of superior vocalists who will doubtless do their full share in maintaining 
a ' sunny side' to the realities of camp life." — Salevi Gazette, Oct. 22. 

" Captain Whipple's company is full, and additional applications enough have been 
made for admission, almost, to recruit another company. Applicants are daily 
refused, because the complement is already filled." — Salem Register, Oct. 24. 




^ jn Rl < 






THE UNION DRILL CLUB. I7 

One original member of F must not be forgotten, for surely 
our story would be incomplete should we fail to mention 
Curly, Commissary Chappie's dog. She attracted much atten- 
tion as, covered by her red blanket, she marched demurely 
by her master's side on the way through Boston and New York. 
Twelve pups born to her on the night before the battle of 
Roanoke Island were named respectively after the twelve 
months of the year. Captain Whipple secured one which he 
took home with him in '63, calling him "Roanoke." 

At Batchelder's Creek, N. C, Curly strayed away into the 
rebel lines and w^as gone several weeks. One day word came in 
from the rebels, that a dog with the name of "Chappie " on the 
collar was in their possession, and they were willing to exchange 
her for some tobacco. The barter was made to the mutual 
satisfaction of commissary and rebel. 

Once, in front of Petersburg in 1864, Curly suddenly 
dashed over the breastworks on to the debatable ground 
between the lines, much to Chappie's disgust. He followed, 
however, and finally secured her, both coming in safely from 
their hazardous venture. _ 

Curly followed the fortunes of F for three years and lived 
some time after the war, enjoying well-earned rest, and doubtless 
the envy of all her canine friends in the neighborhood on 
account of her army record. 

Life in Camp Schouler was as enjoyable as visiting friends 
and the keen sense of a new existence could possibly make it. 
Yet there were some drawbacks. It was not always agreeable 
to be aroused from sleep on those breezy November mornings, 
simply to assure the Orderly, when he kindly inquired, that 
we were " all present or accounted for." It was irksome for 
freeborn American citizens to be called to church, to visit the 
Surgeon, to get ready for Fatigue, Guard, or Dress Parade, to 
go to bed, in short to perform all the varied duties of the camp, 
to the everlasting tap-tap of the drum. 



l8 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

I do not know that we ever complained at being called to our 
meals by the resonant vibrations of the sheepskin, but we might 
have complained that the musicians persisted in announcing 
dinner by calling " Roast Beef" when the Commissary had pro- 
vided only " Salt Horse" and " Hard-tack." 

We did, however, enjoy the host of visitors who came in upon 
us every pleasant afternoon, fairly crowding us out of our tents 
at times, bringing many a dainty dish for our gastronomic 
enjoyment, and to eke out what they evidently considered a 
monotonous if not a scanty menu. 

How well do we remember the performances of our regimen- 
tal band under Harry Brown. Even yet can we hear those stir- 
ring notes as the band passed down the line at Dress Parade, and 
vividly can we see the throngs of admiring friends, as they 
pressed upon the line of sentries, to witness that always inter- 
esting feature of camp-life. 

The ordinary routine of duty was more or less faithfully per- 
formed. Fatigue, Guard, Drill by squad and company, the 
evolutions worked out in the larger field of the battalion, fully 
occupied our days and made the scantily filled bed-sack " soft 
as downy pillows are." 

October 26, Dr. Worcester and S. B. Ives, agents of the 
Bible Society, visited camp and distributed over one hundred 
Testaments to the men of Company F. 

October 28, Governor Andrew visited camp, and witnessed 
battalion drill, after which he made a short address to the regi- 
ment. 

On the 31st of October, Company F participated in the 
march to Salem. Receiving the City Fathers at the City Hall, 
the regiment proceeded to the Common, whence, after a short 
battalion drill, a welcome opportunity to greet our friends and 
what our regimental historian calls " a scant collation," we 
returned to camp. 

Many incidents of our stay in Lynnfield, novel as they were. 



THE UNION DRILL CLUB, I9 

have been crowded out of mind by similar or more important 
events of later years of the war. One of our members, whom I 
will call Smith as that was not his name, had not a particle of 
time or tune in his composition, and the step always bothered 
him. 

One day at drill. Smith was persistently getting out of step 
and out of place, until the officer in charge of the squad impa- 
tiently demanded, *' Smith, where do you belong?" With an 
innocent expression upon his face and an injured tone in his 
voice, he meekly answered, " Ipswich, sir." " I wish to heaven 
you were there," was the despairing rejoinder. 

But the time of our stay in Camp Schouler, though length- 
ened somewhat by the non-arrival of equipment, drew rapidly 
to a close. 

The loth of November, our last Sunday at Lynnfield, saw the 
camp thronged with visitors, and interesting services w^ere con- 
ducted by Rev. George D. Wildes. It was a day of farewells, 
and although the members of Company F were light-hearted 
and full of hope, to the friends whom they were to leave behind, 
it was a day of sadness ; with many, deep foreboding. 



20 CO. F, 23D MASS, VOLS. 



CHAPTER II. 

LYNNFIELD TO ANNAPOLIS. 

The day of our departure arrived. On the nth of Novem- 
ber the camp was aroused at 4 A. M., but it was not until 1 1.30 
o'clock that we left Camp Schouler, joyfully turning our faces 
toward the seat of war. The heavy rain which drenched us on 
our way through the streets of Boston did not prevent the gath- 
ering of a large crowd to cheer us on our passage to the front. 

As we marched up State Street, and were passing the Old 
State House, a much- revered friend was watching to catch a 
glimpse of one of the Salem boys in the ranks of Company F. 
*' Stepping into the street he handed me a little wad of paper 
which I put into my pocket and forgot all about. When it 
occurred to me to look at it, I found five little gold dollars. These 
I kept as a sort of emergency fund, drawing from it from time 
to time when the Paymaster failed to appear ; but, alas ! the last 
of the shining pieces I loaned to a sailor friend at New Berne, 
and he got gloriously drunk on the avails of it." 

A collation was furnished by the city on the Common, after 
which we resumed our march to the Old Colony Railroad sta- 
tion. Perhaps some will remember that a Salem friend * 
volunteered to get their canteens filled with coffee at Mrs. 
Haven's, on School Street, and their anxiety at his non- 
arrival when the regiment left the Common en route to the depot. 
The canteens came to hand a few minutes only before the train 
pulled out at 3.30 p. m. 

* E. F. Thayer. 




RICHARD P. WHEELER, 
1st Sergeant. 



LYNNFIELD TO ANNAPOLIS. 21 

Early in the evening we boarded steamers at Fall River; 
Company F and the right wing on the " State of Maine," the 
left wing, " with all the rations," says one writer, on the 
" Metropolis." How far the other companies of the right wing 
were without rations it is difficult to say, but one member of 
Company F * remembers visiting with Capt. Whipple the stew- 
ard's room, where pies, cakes, and ale were being dispensed to 
a hungry crowd. A wail of grief went up from the throng as 
the Captain shouted over their heads, "I'll take them all." 
Company F received an immediate, if not an important, addition 
to its larder. 

As we passed Fort Schuyler in the early morning of the I2th 
the men of the regiment stationed there ran down to the water's 
edge and cheered us heartily. 

At noon we landed at Pier 3, near the Battery, and marched 
under escort of the " Sons of Massachusetts " to barracks in 
City Hall Park, where the needs of the " inner man " were 
supplied. 

Little is recorded concerning our stay in New York. In the 
afternoon the regiment paraded, paying a marching salute to 
Mrs. Lincoln at her hotel. In the evening quite a squad from 
Company F, securing leave of absence for the night, visited 
Bryant's Minstrels, stopping at " Lovejoy's," near the Park. 

Our officers were entertained by Col. Frank Howe, State 
Agent for Massachusetts, and among other notables they met 
Governor Andrew. The Captain took the opportunity to thank, 
the Governor for his commission. 

The next afternoon, after a fatiguing march, made doubly 
tiresome by the slippery pavements of Broadway and West 
Fourteenth Street, and our heavy knapsacks, to which we were 
not yet accustomed, cars were taken at Jersey City for Phila- 
delphia, where we arrived at 2 A. M. on the 14th. 

* Bates. 



22 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

The entertainment, and the opportunity for washing up, 
afforded in the famous " Cooper's shop," a haven of rest to thou- 
sands of Union soldiers during the war, gave us pleasant and 
permanent recollections of the hospitality of the " Quaker 

City." 

Quarter past ten o'clock A. M. found us at Perryville, Md., on 
the north bank of the Susquehanna, where we noted extensive 
preparations for war, and a gathering of much war material, 
especially — mules. There was but a short stop here for Com- 
pany F, for, with Companies A and D, we were ordered on 
board a little steamer called the "Star," for transportation to 
Annapolis. 

The first part of the sail was exceedingly pleasant, but with 
the going down of the sun came a pouring rain which rendered 
us anything but comfortable during the remainder of the trip. 
It was Company F's fortune to be assigned to the upper deck. 
Many of the men lost themselves in sleep, and the action of the 
officer who roused them from slumber was wise and kind, 
although the weary men were decidedly unthankful. 

On our arrival at Annapolis, after some delay in making our 
dock, we landed and marched at once to the Naval Academy 
where we bivouacked for the night, and one diarist recorded, 
" we shall likely remain for a time." 

From the Naval Academy the next morning, after clearing 
up our rooms expecting a longer stay, we marched to new 
quarters in St. John's College buildings, where we performed 
the same operation only to be ordered away as soon as we 
had made ourselves comfortable. Our hasty graduation from 
college became, in one form or another, a current joke in the 
regiment. 

Some may remember that, as we marched through the city. 
Governor Hicks stood at the door of his residence and saluted 
us with a wave of his handkerchief. 

The night of the i6th found us encamped in an open field 




CHARLES H HAYWARD, 
3d Ser^t 



LYNNFIELD TO ANNAPOLIS. 23 

about two miles from the city in close proximity to camps of 
other regiments which had preceded us. 

Sunday, the 17th, after roll-call, a party from Company F * 
started out to seek a place to wash, water being scarce near the 
camp. Beneath the roots of a tall inclining tree about half a 
mile away, we found a spring from which the clear sparkling 
water fell away into the meadow. After our ablutions, a song 
was proposed, and drawing together in a circle, we sang "Amer- 
ica," then " Old Hundred," concluding our impromptu concert 
with Henry K. Oliver's grand old " Federal Street," to the words 
*' See gentle patience smile on pain." I think there was no one 
in the party whose spirit was not chastened by such a beginning 
of the sacred day. An old negro, who with his son came along 
down the hill, stood near us listening eagerly, and as the last 
notes of " Federal Street " floated away upon the morning breeze, 
he brushed away a tear with the back of his hand, saying in his 
negro dialect, " Beautiful, beautiful, sweet as honey." 

In the afternoon the regiment formed part of the division 
reviewed by General Burnside, Secretary of War Cameron, and 
others. As the 23d was passing in review, and Company F 
was about opposite the re"viewing stand, one of the men fell back 
a little, somewhat disjointing the line. A zealous file closer, 
with his thoughts mainly upon the Secretary of War, yet 
anxious for the credit of the company called out in a voice 
rendered more noticeable by the evident effort to suppress it, 
" Cameron, dress up." 

November 18. Night found us comfortably ensconced in our 
Sibley tents within the shadow of a noble grove of trees, there- 
after to be remembered as Camp John A. Andrew. A detail of 
thirty men from each company had cleared away the under- 
brush and prepared the ground the previous afternoon. Here 

* Wheeler, Lee, Hayward, Robbins, Fowler, Driver, Tilton, Brooks, and Valentine 
formed the party. 



24 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

the days passed pleasantly and swiftly away. Though so far 
from home, our camp was the " Mecca " to which came friendly 
pilgrims from the " City of Peace," among whom were Rev. Dr. 
Thompson, Rev. Chas. Ray Palmer, J. B. Silsbee, Stephen H. 
Phillips, Dr. Tuckerman, R. D. Rogers, S. E. Peabody, Dr. 
Bowdoin, Rev. A. E. Manning, Edw. S. Waters and Jose Mar- 
gati. Many of these gentlemen were entertained at Company 
Headquarters, and all were gladly welcomed. These visits 
formed a connecting cord which hound us to our northern 
homes, a cord severed only when w^e struck tents early in Jan- 
uary and departed for southern fields. 

In addition to the usual routine of the camp, brigade drills 
were in order with reviews as a sort of finishing school. It 
was a period of beginnings. Here we were first associated 
with other troops in brigade formation. Here came our first 
endeavors at the target, our initiation into the mysteries of the 
skirmish drill, our first acquaintance with the negroes, who from 
this time on thronged about the camp, grinning from " ear to 
ear," ever offering their dyspepsia-inducing hoe cakes and 
sweet potato pies. Here first we heard their strange wild 
melodies, sung with infinite zest and abandon, telling in their 
quaint minor strains and weird cadences the sad story of bond- 
age and their longing for freedom, which even their simple yet 
abounding faith did not place this side the grave. 

November 20. " We finished to-day the California furnace 
for our tent, which makes us very comfortable." * 

Sergeant Derby first suggested the feasibility of heating the 
tents on this plan, which was by " running a string of pipe 
underground from a pit in the centre." The fire was built in 
the pit, and a pipe for cold air, also underground, emerged 
from the opposite side of the tent. 

Finding a tin shop in the city where tools and stock could be 

* Hayward. 




FRANCIS H. LEE, 
5th Sergt. 



LYNNFIELD TO ANNAPOLIS. 2$ 

procured, the Sergeant made sufficient pipe for all the company 
tents. We were indebted to these heaters for much comfort 
during the cool days and frosty nights of the declining year. 

November 21, Thanksgiving, Company F decorated its tents 
with holly and evergreen. After a short service on the parade 
ground the boys enjoyed a real home dinner, two turkeys 
and a plum pudding being provided for each tent. At night 
a huge bonfire was built at the head of the company street. 
Many clasped hands and joined in a " walk around," cheering 
for the captain, Colonel Merritt, and Salem. We closed the 
day, after a feast of nuts and raisins, with " Auld Lang Syne" 
and " Home, Sweet Home." 

November 23. " General Foster and Colonel Kurtz visited 
Company F headquarters and examined the new stoves. They 
thought well of them." * 

Novem.ber 26. " Hucksters refused admission to the camp. 
Justly or unjustly, it was referred by the men to the endeavor 
of the sutler to drive away a dangerous class of competitors." 

The following paper was drawn up and signed by nearly 
every member of the company : — 

" We, the undersigned, members of Company F, 23d Massachusetts, do hereby 
pledge ourselves not to buy anything of the sutler of said regiment until hucksters 
are allowed within our lines." 

It was surprising, as one writer f notes, " how soon the 
hucksters find out when we are paid off". They had been quite 
scarce of late, but yesterday there was a motley crowd of 
them, of both sexes, outside the lines." 

On the night of the 28th it rained heavily, and we of Tent 
One were awakened by the cold about two o'clock A. M. Light- 
ing a candle we found two or three inches of water in the lower 
side of the tent, and the property of those who slept on that 

* Whipple. t Lee. 



26 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

side was in a very moist condition. There being no more sleep 
for us, we adjourned for warmth and dryness to the cook-house, 
where before a good fire we told " yarns " till daylight. 

Perhaps there originated some of those idle tales denominated 
" cook-house reports," which gained currency in proportion to 
their improbability, and became common property in all the 
camps. 

Borrowing a bucket we went back to bail out, finding our 
California furnace full of the troublesome fluid. We were a 
forlorn-looking set that fell into ranks for roll-call when the 
reveille sounded. 

December 5. Mustered into the service of the United States 
by Capt. Putnam, U. S. A., the same to date from Sept. 28, 1861. 

December 8. " We have enjoyed to-day some excellent 
baked beans from the first outdoor oven built in the regiment. 
They were fully appreciated by the boys. W. F. Chappie, our 
company commissary, was architect and builder." * 

December 9. A member of Tent One's squad was tried by 
mock court-martial for spilling hot tea on Alec. Monroe, and, 
as declared in the charges and specifications, " stopping the 
growth of a large pair of whiskers." W. H. Townsend was 
Judge Advocate and conducted the case with grave decorum. 
The tea had not of late been very good, and abundant oppor- 
tunity was given for sly digs at its quality, and numerous jokes 
were perpetrated at the expense of the commissary depart- 
ment. 

The lower portion of the canvas was rolled up all around, and 
a large audience of officers and men from our own and other 
companies gathered about to hear the evidence. Even the Field 
and Staff were represented and fully enjoyed the fun. 

Monroe, Hooper, Johnson, Southward, Driver, and Tilton 
testified for the prosecution, and Prime, Emilio, Stone, Robbins, 

* Hayward. 




JOS. G. S. CARLETON 



LYNNFIELD TO ANNAPOLIS. 



27 



Hiltz, and Fields for the defence. The evidence on both sides 
was decidedly erratic and created great amusement. 

After roll-call, which interrupted the somewhat irregular 
proceedings, the defendant was pronounced guilty, and sen- 
tenced to " ask pardon on bended knee of Mr. Monroe, and to 
go on the wood and water squad for two weeks." 

The first part of the sentence was immediately carried into 
effect, although it required considerable pushing to get the 
culprit down on his knees. The record does not show that the 
latter part of the sentence was carried out, and it is not 
probable that it has been, even to this day. 

Dec. 20. A company of darkies were singing in Tent One 
this evening. During the performance three colored sisters 
entered the tent, and, crossing to the other side, one of them 
marched straight into the California furnace, uttering at the 
same instant a little shriek. 

" We picked her up and set her at the side of the tent, and 
everything went serenely afterwards." * 

Among the negroes who freq-uently visited camp and sang in 
the tents or the company street, sometimes in our prayer-meet- 
ings, were Billy and Joe Gray. The first had a very sweet, 
high, though not powerful tenor voice, while Joe's voice was a 
rich, mellow baritone. They often sang together, taking parts, 
and were a great addition to the full chorus. 

"I occasionally told them they ought to be free, and ad- 
vised them to leave their master, but they liked him too well 
to run away, although they would have been glad of their 
freedom." f 

The following song was a great favorite with the negroes, and 
used to be sung with the utmost vim, the singers keeping time 
with hands and feet, often losing breath in their ecstacy, and 
recovering it in the most ludicrous manner. 

* Lee. t Driver. 



28 



CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 



ITS A HIGHWAY.: 

N K — ^- 



I — W — r} s N " 1^ ^ — r 

- \^- — ^ ' J ^- 'J r 



-^-H- 



^-^ 



Wet or dry I mean to try, A - way in de wil-der-ness, 







To git to lieb-en when I die, A -way in de wil-der-ness, 




:d= 



^ • 



^1 



1— •— T 



It's a liigh - 



way. It's 



high 



way, 




id 



ig^^iil-=|5^5=5=gEp;i-i 



It's a high - way, A - way 



de wil - der - ness. 



Down to a fountain I was led; 
Away in de wilderness. 

Dar I eat of hebenly bread, 

Away in de wilderness. 
It 's a highway, etc. 

It is de food fer all my soul; 
De more I eat de more I grow. 

Jordan's waters am chilly an' cold ; 
I got glory in my soul, 

John an' James hab gone, I know; 
Up ter heben long ago. 

Fire from heben come tumblin' down ; 
Burnt ole Sodom to de groun'. 



One member of F, always ready to turn an honest penny by 
tinkering a watch, cutting hair, or in any other laudable manner, 



LYNNFIELD TO ANNAPOLIS. 29 

erected a shanty of pine boughs just back of tents One and Two, 
near those of Company D.' 

Perhaps some will remember the sign which he put up on a 
tall pine near at hand, the legend inscribed thereon being — 



BARBUZ SHORE 



The good-natured bantering of the men was more than he 
could stand, and he gave up business in disgust. 

While we were at Annapolis many men were detailed from 
the regiments for service in the various departments of the 
army and in the fleet. From Company F, Driver, Matthews, 
and Valentine were detached as commissaries on the " High- 
lander," "Pioneer," and "Vidette," respectively, reporting for 
this special service on Christmas day. Browne, Hiltz, Scriggins, 
Townsend, Woodbury, and Waldron were detailed as sailors and 
sent on board the barque " Voltigeur." Their reception was 
not altogether cordial, the captain remarking, "Why didn't 
they send me sailors? I don't want farmers. I 've no potatoes 
to dig." He soon discovered that they had seen salt water 
before, and their seamanlike qualities soon won his confidence 
and that of his mates. They had quite a unique experience, 
the " Voltigeur " grounding at Hatteras, making her bed so far 
up the sands that at low water one could walk clear round her. 

"February 5, we saw the fleet vanish up the Sound, leav- 
ing us quite alone, and our life became very monotonous. 
Pipes and whist helped to pass the time. Once the Johnnies 
appeared on the beach, coming from the direction of Ocracoke 
Inlet with the evident purpose of capturing the vessel. Arms 
were distributed, and a shot or two sent up the beach warned 
them that we were prepared for them." * 

* Browne. 



30 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

Scriggins, being sick, was finally sent off to Roanoke on the 
" Jersey Blue." Later, Hiltz, Browne, Woodbury, and Waldron 
(Townsend refusing to go) took the long boat and pulled over 
to the fort, requesting General Williams, the commandant, to 
send them to the regiment. 

They took up quarters in an old canal-boat lying at the 
wharf, and after weary days of waiting they secured passage on 
a steamer bound for Croatan Sound, soon finding themselves 
on board the "Highlander," lying off Roanoke Island. Town- 
send joined the company at New Berne sometime in July. 

1862, January 3. "The regiment was paid off a few days 
ago, and Company F sent home $2,649.50." 

Sunday, January 5. Captain Whipple was sent to Annapolis 
by Colonel Kurtz with instructions to visit the "Highlander" 
and measure the space allotted to the men. He noticed a 
small room with three berths which seemed to be unused, and 
received permission from the colonel to appropriate that room 
for Company F's benefit. It furnished comfortable quarters for 
our commissioned officers during the time we remained on 
board the schooner. 




JAMES A EMMERTON. 



ANNAPOLIS TO ROANOKE. 3 1 



CHAPTER III. 



ANNAPOLIS TO ROANOKE. 



January 6, 1862. Pursuant to orders read on dress parade 
the previous afternoon, tents were struck this morning. At 
eleven o'clock, line of march was taken up for the city, the 
clinging snow and heavily laden knapsack rendering progress 
slow and difficult. Upon arrival at the grounds of the Naval 
Academy, the regiment formed hollow square, within which 
fires were lighted, and during the time that preceded our em- 
barkation, the men vainly tried to keep warm. 

It was nearly six o'clock P. M. before the right wing boarded 
the schooner " Highlander," where reasonably good quarters 
were in waiting. 

Company F was assigned to berths " between decks." These 
berths were six feet long and two feet wide, three tiers (the dis- 
tance between them being three and a half feet) just filling the 
space from floor to ceiling. The passageways were two and 
one half feet wide. 

A number had been given to each man, and he was expected 
to take the corresponding berth, but the close quarters and con- 
sequent crowding of men encumbered with arms, equipments, 
and heavy knapsacks created such confusion, intensified by the 
darkness, that the order was finally given to take the first berths 
which came to hand. Says one : * " I began feeling around for 
an empty berth. At last I found a lower side berth, which I 
wriggled into as well as my load and the crowd of legs would 

* Waters, 



32 CO. F, 23D MASS, VOLS. 

allow me. There I lay straight while my eyes were getting 
accustomed to the darkness, and the crowd of legs was 
decreasing." 

After the confusion incident to securing berths had somewhat 
subsided, the '' hold " and " 'tween-decks " became compara- 
tively quiet, although the hum of voices made still a veritable 
Babel, to which the proverbial church sewing-circle or a hive of 
angry bees furnishes no adequate comparison. 

January 7. Corporal Waters, Ben Arrington, and Hooper 
were detailed to guard some goods left on shore. 

To-day the schooner was towed by the " Hussar " to her an- 
chorage about a mile from the place of embarkation, where sail- 
ing orders were awaited. 

Some little excitement was caused in the fleet by a fire on a 
schooner laden with hay. Men from neighboring vessels 
assisted in throwing the deck load overboard, and each vessel in 
the track of the blazing bales sent out its guard boat to fend off 
the threatened danger. 

January 9. Early this morning, the long expected signal 
was displayed. Immediately there was a bustle of expectation 
among the thousands of soldiers, a stir throughout the fleet, 
and a hawser was stretched from each steamer to its intended 
satellite. 

One after another the vessels tripped their anchors and got 
under way, and, as we left our moorings, black hulls and smok- 
ing funnels could be seen far in advance, moving swiftly down 
the bay. Astern of us lay the rest of the fleet awaiting the 
signal from their respective flagships, while over all, through 
the morning haze, rose with dim shadowy outlines the city we 
had left, the dome of the State House towering above. 

With drum beat and bugle call, with lusty cheers of men, glad 
to be moving anywhere, so that they escaped from the tedium 
of the camp, with the prospect of sometime being relieved from 
their close quarters on shipboard, the great pageant swept on 




GEORGE S. MANSFIELD. 



ANNAPOLIS TO ROANOKE. 33 

toward its unknown destination. The bands of the several regi- 
ments discoursed sweet music. That of the 23d played " Home, 
Sweet Home," while Gilmore of the 24th Mass. responded, in 
more lively measure, with " The Girl I Left Behind Me." When 
well out in the bay, quiet began to reign among the men. 
Some stretched themselves out for a nap. Many " between 
decks " betook themselves to cards. Others, stirred perhaps to 
thoughts of home by Harry Brown's dulcet notes, seated them- 
selves as comfortably as possible about the deck, and commenced 
letters to their distant friends. Still others eagerly watched the 
progress of the fleet, cheering as one vessel or another gained 
or fell behind in our race into the unknown. Through the day 
we steamed merrily on, enveloped for a time in a fog which 
rolled in from the sea, hiding all the fleet, except here and there 
the topmasts of some sailing craft, which could be seen rising 
above the fog bank. 

At 8 r. M. we were passing the mouth of the Potomac River. 
It was clear, and a fine moon proved a great attraction, keeping 
the men on deck to a late hour. The fog was very thick when 
we " turned out " in the morning, and we found we had been at 
anchor since eleven o'clock the previous evening. The occa- 
sional tap of a drum showed that we were not alone, although 
nothing could be seen. At 2 P. M. the fog lifted and we were 
again in motion. 

As the sun rose slowly out of the Atlantic on the morning of 
the eleventh, it disclosed to the eye of the observer a magnifi- 
cent scene. From the massive ramparts of Fortress Monroe, 
with her frowning batteries, to the eastern capes, which like twin 
sentinels extended their sheltering arms as if to ward off danger, 
swept the blue waters of Hampton Roads. On the one hand 
stretched the broad expanse of Chesapeake Bay, while on the 
other the sluggish waters of the James rolled in mighty volume 
to the sea. Near at hand were the " Ripraps," a chaotic mass 
of stone surmounted by a score of derricks, whose base rising 



34 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

directly from the waters of the Roadstead was washed by every 
surging wav^e. Swinging at their moorings, near, and diminish- 
ing in remote perspective, lay Burnside's squadron, consisting 
of vessels of every conceivable size and description. Steam 
tugs were deftly threading their tortuous way through the fleet 
carrying members of the general staff with orders. Small boats 
were passing to and fro, conveying regimental officers on their 
way to report the arrival of their commands, or returning to 
their respective vessels. The cheering of the soldiers and the 
martial strains of the regimental bands gave life to the scene, 
while " Old Glory " floated over all, kissed by the sunlight and 
tossed by the free air of heaven. The only thing visible that 
morning, out of harmony with the glorious picture, was the 
rebel flag flaunting grim defiance from the distant batteries on 
Sewall's Point. 

We sailed from Hampton Roads on the afternoon of the 
eleventh, towed by our colleague the " Hussar." About 5 
P. M. the wind, which had freshened very much during the after- 
noon, increased to a gale, causing the " Highlander " to roll 
heavily, and finding the steamer could make no headway with 
such a burden, sails were hoisted, our connecting hawser cut, 
and, in accordance with sealed orders opened after passing the 
capes, our good schooner pointed for Hatteras Inlet. All 
soldiers not on duty were ordered below, and a guard was 
placed over the hatchway. One of Company F's Corporals * 
dreading the ordeal of confinement between decks, seized a 
rope, and (appearing to be on duty) managed to remain on 
deck. He writes: " Perhaps you can imagine the sounds borne 
to my ears from the hatchway as the rolling and pitching and 
tossing had their effect on loose pans, and on the guns and 
equipments laid upon the cross pieces over the passageways ; 
and that other peculiar effect upon the feelings and stomachs of 

* Waters. 




LOUIS L. ROBBINS. 



ANNAPOLIS TO ROANOKE. 35 

the poor soldiers below, as expressed in groans and other 
singular noises." 

After a while the gale abated, although the sea still ran high 
and our good vessel labored heavily. About noon on the 1 3th we 
passed Hatteras Light, and soon after anchored outside the Inlet. 

January 15. Received orders this morning to get under way 
and make for the entrance. Hardly had the "Patuxent" 
received our hawser on the second tack when the alarm was 
given that " a boat had been capsized among the breakers." 

Two boats manned by soldier and sailor volunteers, one in 
charge of Lieut. S. C. Hart of D, and the other under one of 
the schooner's officers, immediately put off to the rescue. It 
was a thrilling scene as they struggled through that heavy sea 
on their errand of mercy. We could see them, now rising on 
the top of the wave, then disappearing from view as they sank 
in the trough of the sea. " The intense eagerness to urge them 
on was manifested in cheers and shouts long after they had 
passed beyond the reach of our voices." We realized but 
feebly, perhaps, the great difficulty in such a sea of getting the 
rescuing boats near enough to take the men off without endan- 
gering the lives of all. " A tremendous cheer broke from the 
men when those aloft viewing the scene with their field-glasses 
sent down word that the last man had been taken off and the 
boats were on their return." * 

The unfortunates proved to be a party from the ship " Ann 
E. Thompson" (officers of the 9th N. J. Vols, and part of the 
vessel's crew), which had been in to report arrival. The colonel 
and surgeon of the 9th and mate of the ship were drowned. 
One of the rescued officers, Lieutenant-Colonel Heckman, 
became afterward, as a brigadier, commander of the "Star" 
Brigade, 2d Division i8th Army Corps, in whose operations, 
later in the war, the 23d bore a conspicuous and gallant part. 

* Hayward. 



36 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

We anchored at last in a more sheltered position, remaining 
until about 5 P. M. of the 24th, when the wind abated suffi- 
ciently to admit of another trial for the passage of the Swash. 
We struck once slightly, but soon passed over, anchoring safely 
inside about 5.30 P. M. 

The story of our life at Hatteras is one of storm and peril 
and privation. Occasionally there came a warm and pleasant 
day, as on the 20th, when men were reported in swimming. 
Oftener the days were cold and rainy, always windy, and when 
the wind reached the proportions of a gale, which was not 
unusual, the breakers were well worth seeing. At such times 
confusion reigned supreme throughout the fleet. Vessels 
dragged their anchors, grounding upon the shallows, or vio- 
lently colliding with each other. Some were driven ashore, and 
signals of distress were visible on every hand. 

In addition to the perils of the sea there was actual suffering 
from short supply of water, and even rations were not over- 
abundant, so little food was carried in the endeavor to lighten 
the vessel for the purpose of crossing the Swash. 

One writer,* under date of the 24th, says : " We have been 
reduced for a week or more to two gills of water a day, and 
yesterday and to-day none at all. Having no water in which to 
cook our hominy, we had potatoes boiled in salt water, and our 
supply of crackers ran so short we had only three each for 
dinner and supper. Just before noon it rained very hard, and 
we were enabled to catch considerable, filling our canteens, 
besides two or three barrels for cooking. This was very accept- 
able, although as it was from rigging and sails it could hardly 
be called first quality." 

February 4. For days had Madam Rumor with her myriad 
tongues been busy circulating reports as to the time of our 
departure, and to-day signs of moving seemed to multiply. 

* Hayward. 




HENRY F, WATERS. 



ANNAPOLIS TO ROANOKE. 37 

"Arms were examined, those found defective being- exchanged, 
and forty rounds of cartridge were issued to each man." * 

Tugs were darting swiftly from point to point, and although 
we had become accustomed to their seemingly erratic motions, 
there now appeared to be some purpose in their movements. 

February 5. At 8 A. M., in obedience to signals, our anchor 
was raised and, in tow of the steamer "New York," we turned 
our backs upon inhospitable Hatteras, positive that even our 
friends (?) who waited for us at Roanoke could hardly treat us 
more unkindly. 

The transports proceeded in regular lines, keeping as nearly 
as possible brigade formations, while in the advance and 
on the flanks moved Commodore Goldsboro's squadron of 
gunboats. 

" The weather was delightful, and the slow and majestic ad- 
vance of that great 'Armada,' " writes one, " had something 
awfully impressive and grand about it." General Burnside, in the 
" Picket," passed through the fleet, greeted everywhere with 
cheers, the soldiers thankful for the proniise of change, even 
with the uncertainties which the change was sure to bring. 

At sunset on the second day, the fleet came to anchor just 
outside the narrow entrance of Croatan Sound. 

February 7. The morning dawned warm and foggy. At 10 
o'clock the gunboats led the way through the entrance, moving 
directly toward the rebel batteries, the enemy's flotilla retiring 
beyond the barricade of piles and sunken vessels as they 
approached. 

The transports, slowly following their lead, came to anchor 
just inside, in full view of the fight between the gunboats and 
the batteries, which began about eleven o'clock. The soldiers 
were interested spectators, the decks and rigging of the trans- 
ports being crowded with men earnestly watching the progress 

* Emilio. 



38 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

of the conflict. The gunboats were in constant motion, saihng 
in wide circles and firing from port or starboard battery, as each 
was successively brought to bear upon the enemy. 

" Especially," says one writer, " did we notice the little sloop 
' Granite ' sailing up and down as near the shore as the depth 
of water allowed, sending her compliments to the battery from 
her hundred pounder,* on every tack." 

During the fight between the gunboats and the rebel batteries, 
Corp. L. L. Robbins was on the " Ranger." He was stationed 
on the pilot house, his duty being to interpret the orders sig- 
nalled from the flag-ship and transmit them to the pilot. In 
case of danger, the code, provided with a leaden back to insure 
sinking, was to be thrown overboard. 

In the confusion resulting from the unwelcome intrusion of a 
shell, passing so near that he felt the windage, the Corporal 
hastily cast into the sound, as he supposed, the signal code, but 
which later proved to have been his diary. He never attempted 
to keep another. 

At 3 P. M. three red flags were displayed, ordering the debar- 
kation of the troops, which immediately began. Long lines of 
boats filled with men were towed by the " Pilot Boy " to a point on 
the shore about a mile below Pork Point battery, near what was 
known as Ashby's Harbor. 

" Two gunboats covered the movement, throwing a few shells 
into the woods, dispersing a number of rebels who could be 
seen running from behind some buildings." f 

The companies were landed as fast as possible from the " High- 
lander," until at 8 P. M. A and F only were left, and the " Pilot 
Boy " on her third trip took both, together wath Captain Day- 

* At the annual meeting of the Roanoke Association in Boston, Feb. 8, 1893, a 
gentlemen present stated that he was on the " Granite " at the time, and that the 
gun was a thirty-two pounder, although the general impression was that it was much 
heavier. 

t Emilio. 




HIRAM H. ALMY. 



ANNAPOLIS TO ROANOKE. 39 

ton, his gun-crew, and two guns, starting from the vessel at 9.30 
p. M. Three cheers were given for the old "Highlander" as 
they left her side. 

They reached the shore about ten o'clock, landing in a 
marsh, at every step sinking in soft mud from three to ten 
inches deep. But a short distance from the place of debarka- 
tion had been covered when some of the left flank men of F 
were ordered back to the steamer for ammunition. " We there- 
fore returned and getting eight or ten boxes of shells tried to 
carry them on poles but they were too heavy for us, so they 
were carried back or left." * 

The march to the encampment was over a muddy road which 
retarded the advance, more especially as the piece of artillery 
drawn by man power was frequently mired. 

Company F's quota on the gun-crew consisted of Corp. J. 
A. Emmerton, Privates John Gray, S. S. Hooper, S. S. South- 
ward, and George E. Osgood. One member of the gun-crew f 
says: "We had gone but a short distance when we found our- 
selves waist deep in mud. Captain Hart's company manned 
the ropes and extricated us, hauling the gun over and over out 
of the swamp." 

The companies of the 23d landing first had built fires in a 
corn field on somewhat higher ground, and following their 
example Company F made preparations for the night. 

One writer | says : " I sat down on a rail near one of the fires, 
took off my boots, and in spite of rain, mud, and march, was 
quite comfortable, and was amazed to see how little could make 
one contented." 

Rubber blankets were spread wherever dry spots could be 
found, and enveloped in overcoats, the men lay down to pass the 
tedious hours. The rain fell throughout the night, and the 
water settling into the furrows, penetrated the clothing and 

* Emilio. t Southward. J Whipple. 



40 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

effectually prevented sleep. Some speak of hugging closely the 
camp fires, or walking about for warmth. The writer before 
quoted after walking some time, secured a nap leaning against 
the twelve pounder. But the hours dragged wearily away, and 
the dismal surroundings of that cheerless bivouac were fully 
revealed as the on-coming dawn of the 8th began to drive the 
shadows from the woods and clearings. 




BENJ, F. ARRINGTON. 



ROANOKE ISLAND AND NEW HERNE. 4I 



CHAPTER IV. 

ROANOKE ISLAND AND NEW BERNE. 

February 8. At 7 A. M., the column started, the 25th Mass. 
leading off, followed by the 23d, the rifled gun of the " High- 
lander" just in advance of F and in rear of the first company. 

They traversed a wood road, running directly toward the 
centre of the Island, muddy from the rain and at one point 
crossed by a brook. " The only way of getting over dry shod, 
was by walking on large trees that had been felled across the 
stream. While the men were picking their way slowly across, 
Adj. Gen. Hoffman came toward us, saying, ' Don't stop, men, to 
pick your way over those logs. Come right through the water. 
General Foster is waiting for you to open the action,' and we 
tvent.'" * After marching about an hour musket shots were 
heard in advance, and-the 25th was soon closely engaged just 
at the edge of a clearing, through which the road bearing some- 
what to the left ran directly to a battery mounting three guns 
which commanded the road and the clearing. 

Arriving in view of the field, the 23d deployed in rear of the 
25th and lay down, gauging its movements by those of the 
front line. " It was not long," says Captain Whipple, "before 
Company F boys got a chance to pop away." Some of them 
moved forward into the line of the 25th, where they could get a 
shot at the enemy. The firing was very severe, and it was 
somewhat trying to see the wounded men of the 25th carried to 
the rear, the captain's frequent order being, " Every head square 

* Bates. 



42 CO, F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

to the enemy." "Why we lost none of our men here God only 
knows, for the bullets whistled about us like hail, and cannon- 
balls and shells swept over our heads, striking among the trees 
with frightful violence." * 

After a time the 23d was ordered to march by the right flank 
into the swamp, where the experiences of the next few hours 
seemed to show that nature as well as man had conspired against 
the Union. Soft, slimy, thick, black mud, stirred from unknown 
depths by hundreds of tramping feet, made the dark waters 
through which they floundered darker yet. Slippery tussocks 
tremblingly swayed and swung beneath the w^eight of those 
who unthinkingly trusted in them as substantial helps to 
progress. 

In their efforts to evade the dense clumps of bushes the men 
were often forced from their line of march, and driven through 
unseen mud holes. Here and there a water-course, free, for a 
short distance, of underbrush, seemed to offer " a more excel- 
lent way," albeit the water was waist deep. 

From tree to tree, hanging from the branches and winding in 
and out among the bushes, interlaced and netted in a thousand 
places, ever thickest and most tangled across the path they 
wished to travel, hung the tough and pliant vines, which the 
officers could hardly sever with their swords. So dense the 
growth, so clinging the briers, that several times the men 
stopped, saying, "It is impossible to go on," but the Colonel 
said, " You must go through at all hazards ; it must be done," 
and they pressed forward. The gloomy twilight of that cloudy 
February day in the deep recesses of that island swamp can 
never be appreciated save by those who have tried to penetrate 
it, as did our boys of the 23d. 

All the while the rebel bullets were singing in disagreeable 
cadence overhead, and canister swept through the trees above 

* Whipple. 



<^ f^ 



if 







JAMES ARRINGTON, JR. 



ROANOKE ISLAND AND NEW BERNE. 43 

them, spitefully cutting off the limbs, and striking the trunks 
with a vicious sound. 

They had penetrated the swamp but a short distance when a 
shell burst at Caird's right, the concussion nearly paralyzing 
him for an instant. Recovering himself he pushed on, but had 
not proceeded far before a piece of shell struck the stock of his 
musket, forcing it against his leg, which was cut and bruised 
from knee to hip. The impact knocked him from his feet, and, 
unable to get out of the mud alone, he was assisted by Farley. 
Caird has the impression that he was the first man wounded 
in the company. Lake was also wounded at nearly the same 
time. 

About noon quite a number of men of the 2 3d's right com- 
pany emerged from the swamp on the left of the battery, 
appearing simultaneously, as we afterwards learned, with the 
Union regiments on the other flank. With the appearance of 
the blue coats came the order to charge over the causeway 
directly in front of the battery, and the enemy fled in confusion 
along the road leading to the east side of the island. 

The intricacies of the swamp had played havoc with the line 
and the men came forth" decidedly mixed as to companies. 

From all sides the Union troops poured into the battery with 
shouts of exultation. By half past twelve o'clock the National 
colors floated above the work, the State flag of Massachusetts 
close beside them. " It was our first battle and our first vic- 
tory and the scene can hardly be described, nor can I make 
you feel as I felt, the thrill that sent the blood coursing through 
my veins as I rushed with the rest into the battery." 

Hawkin's Zouaves and the 24th Mass., the latter having just 
arrived on the field, were sent in pursuit of the retreating 
enemy. 

" After entering the battery. General Burnside, with one of 
the Rhode Island battalions and Captain Dayton's gun-crew, 
proceeded to Pork Point, where the General mounted the para- 



44 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

pet with the stars and stripes, and announced the victory to the 
fleet." * 

" Passing through the work, dead bodies were seen here and 
there, and beneath a tree lay an officer shot through the chest. 
A few moments' rest allowed a hasty bite of hardtack, and while 
so employed, General Foster rode by on a captured horse, 
being greeted with three cheers." f 

Called to attention, the regiment was soon on its way to the 
east side of the Island, where it was anticipated the rebels would 
make another stand. Evidences of hasty flight were seen on 
every hand, as we pushed along the road, the Colonel giving us 
few opportunities for rest. 

Muskets, bowie knives, equipments of every kind, blankets, 
and provisions were all abandoned in their anxiety to get away. 
We passed plantations, farm-houses, meeting-house, and school 
as we hurried on. 

Soon we saw a lot of prisoners in charge of a guard, and a 
detachment of the 24th Mass. gave us the cheering intelligence 
that the entire rebel force had surrendered. 

"As we reached their barracks erected in a large clearing, the 
rebel troops were drawn up in line with arms stacked, in readi- 
ness to make a formal surrender. Passing through, we came to 
a deserted camp, where quarters were allotted to the several 
companies, A and F being assigned to one building." f 

Each building, divided into two compartments, was of hewn 
logs with shingled roof. " In the quarters assigned to the offi- 
cers was found a hoe-cake all ready for baking." X 

After the men had cooked and eaten supper that evening, 
they began to look over the things left in the barracks by the 
rebels. In the apartment occupied by Company I of the 23d 
was a trunk in which, among numerous love letters, was found a 
Testament. At that early date a Testament or Bible was not 



* Southward. t Emilio. J Whipple 




WILLIAM R. AUSTIN. 



ROANOKE ISLAND AND NEW BERNE. 45 

an unusual sight in the army, but the interesting thing concern- 
ing this particular book was, that it belonged to a member of 
Company F, and that it was lost at Annapolis at least six weeks 
before it came to light in this rebel trunk. It disappeared some- 
time before Christmas Day at Camp John A. Andrew, and a 
diligent search failed to reveal its whereabouts. It was returned 
to the owner some years afterwards, and he still cherishes it as 
a valued relic of those early days. 

We had been in camp but a few days when an alarm was 
caused by a sudden discharge of musketry, the bullets coming 
into our camp in a manner which suggested an attack by the 
enemy. " I well remember Captain Dayton calling for his detail 
who manned the brass howitzer, ' Highlanders away.' The regi- 
ment was formed, but the excitement subsided as soon as it was 
known that one of our regiments had been somewhat carelessly 
discharging their pieces." * 

The captured confederates were utilized for transportation of 
stores, etc., by wagon, horses and mules being scarce. The 
knapsacks of the 23d "were drawn to camp in a cart to 
which, for want of animals, a dozen of our prisoners were 
hitched." f 

The author remembers standing near the roadside as such a 
company under guard was dragging a wagon loaded with stores 
to a neighboring camp. A son of Ethiopia watched the motley 
procession until it was hidden by a bend in the road, when he 
turned away with a suppressed chuckle, saying, " White man 
got to work now." 

February 13. We marched through the Island with colors 
flying, and music. 

For the first time since leaving Annapolis the regiment formed 
line for dress parade, Lieutenant Bates acting as Adjutant. 

February 17. " Company F escorted some five hundred pris- 

* Bates. t 23d History. 



46 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

oners to the wharf, whence they were conveyed by the stern- 
wheeled * Union,' to the steamer ' S. R. Spaulding,' lying some 
distance off in the stream. 

" Each prisoner was called by name as his turn came to go 
on board the ' Spaulding.' " * 

Sunday, February 23, union services were held, conducted 
by the chaplains of the three Massachusetts regiments of the 
First Brigade. 

At 3 P. M. Roanoke Cemetery was dedicated with appropriate 
ceremonies. Several chaplains made brief addresses and Gil- 
more's Band of the 24th furnished the music. 

" While we were on the island two men daily from each com- 
pany were allowed passes, good within certain limits until sun- 
set. Company F's contingent, enjoying a holiday afternoon, by 
some means came into possession of a sack of flour, which was 
laboriously carried to camp, with joyful anticipations of flap- 
jacks and soft bread. 

" The initial cake was soon placed upon an improvised griddle 
and in time sampled by the associate cook who complained of 
too much saleratus in the mixture. Stone, a mason by the way, 
was called in as expert, and pronounced the so-called flour air- 
slacked lime. 

" Thinking to soothe their disappointed feelings by extending 
the joke, they hid the sack carefully, making sure that the oper- 
ation was observed by others, who, watching their opportunity, 
covertly drew the bag from its hiding place. More flapjacks — 
more disappointment — more victims. The contents of that 
sack soon became too well known to be interesting." t 

March 6. About 3 P. M. the companies of the right wing J 
were ordered into line, and marched to the wharf, boarding the 
steamer " Union," which conveyed them to the " Highlander," 



* Whipple. t Glazier. 

J The left wing had to await the return of the " Hussar " from an expedition up 
the Sound to the mouth of Alligator River. 




SAMUEL H. BROOKS. 



KOANOKE ISLAND AND NEW ISERNE. 47 

where the men resumed their old bunks, a Sergeant * of F 
much rejoiced to find his bed sack once more in his possession. 

March ii. Anchor was weighed, and, with other transports, 
the " Highlander " was taken in tow by the steamer " New 
York." The grounding of the steamer in the narrow passage 
between the sounds, the " Highlander " fortunately escaping 
collision as she shot past, led to a separation, and, hoisting sail, 
the schooner took the advance, leading the transports all the 
way to Hatteras, which we reached late in the afternoon. Here 
we received news of the " Monitor-Merrimac " fight in Hampton 
Roads. 

March 12. Again under way. After a delightful sail we 
entered the mouth of the Neuse River. The bright green foliage 
of the densely wooded shores, reflected by the mirror-like sur- 
face of the river, formed a charming picture as the fleet of 
transports crowded with men, the gunboats in advance, swept 
majestically up stream. 

On the night of the 12th an attempt was made to burn the 
railroad bridge over the Trent River at New Berne. Corp. L 
L. Robbins, with the mate of the schooner " H. E. Pierce," and 
a man named Baulsom, a tough specimen of the Hatteras stripe, 
embarked in a small skiff and at dark were towed by a tug as 
far as the first line of sunken vessels and piles. 

" From here we paddled up the river until near enough to 
throw up under the bridge one or two fire-balls of tow dipped 
in tar. We were discovered but being low in the water made a 
very unsatisfactory target, fortunately for us. We received no 
damage but a good scare, and reached the vessel between 2 
and 3 A.M. That morning, early, I voluntarily joined the com- 
pany and went with the boys into the New Berne fight." f 

March 13. Early this morning a landing was effected at 
Slocum's Creek, in the usual drizzling rain. During the debar- 

* Hayward. t Robbins. 



48 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

kation of the troops, the gunboats shelled the woods, awakening 
lively echoes along the shores. The writer counted one hundred 
and twenty at moderate speed, before the reverberations aroused 
by the report of a single gun had ceased. 

As the troops reached the shore, line of march was taken up 
for the city of New Berne. The road, softened by the continu- 
ously falling rain, and churned to a soft batter by the feet of our 
predecessors, led directly through the pines, whose green 
masses were decorated with clusters of soft white moss, which, 
hanging from every bough, lent to the forest an indescribable 
charm. By the roadside several varieties of cacti were noticed 
by one writer, * and in places the grass was already an inch or 
two high. Here and there the freshly blossomed peach-trees 
brightened the sombre aspect of the woods, and no sign of war 
was noticeable, except this body of armed men hastening along 
the narrow road. 

A friendly bout between the sailors who manned the gun- 
boat howitzers, and the " Highlander's " gun crew, led to the 
latter's departure from the line of march pursued by the main 
body. At the first opportunity they took to the beach, and 
part of the way over the hard sand just in the edge of the 
water they hauled their gun, urged on by Captain Dayton, who 
was determined not to be again held in reserve as at Roanoke. 

About nine o'clock, after passing many regiments already in 
camp for the night, the weary men of the 23d were rejoiced to 
see the leading company file into the woods and come to a halt. 
Around the camp-fire our boys discussed their frugal meal, 
soon retiring to the solitude of overcoat and blanket wherever 
sheltered places could be found. 

March 14. The troops were aroused from their unquiet sleep 
at an early hour, and snatching a hasty breakfast were soon on 
the march. The "Highlander's" gun crew, in advance of the 

* Hayward. 




E. L BROWNE. 



ROANOKE ISLAND AND NEW RERNE. 49 

marine battery, also pushed on toward the front. After pro- 
ceeding some two miles they found themselves in close prox- 
imity to the enemy, an aid riding back to hurr}' the regiment 
forward. General Foster himself directed the placing of the 
gun. What is described as a " fine foggy rain" obscured some- 
what the view of the earthworks which extended from the river 
on our right for the distance of a mile or more, to and beyond 
the railroad. 

Hardly had the 23d's formation in line of battle been 
completed when the action commenced, the first shot from 
the Union side being fired from the twelve-pounder of the 
" Highlander." 

Early in the battle Lieutenant-Colonel Merritt, leaving the 
right of the regiment for some purpose not fully understood, 
moved toward the left, and had just passed beyond F, which 
was the second company in line, when he was struck across the 
abdomen by a round shot. " Two of our Company F boys and 
two of Company D carried him to the rear, and he expired 
immediately." * 

The company now -became fully engaged, giving attention 
wholly to the enemy in front, and pouring in a heavy fire. 

" Our boys behaved nobly, and the company line was well 
sustained." | 

Frank S. Dodge, " standing in the open," had his musket 

* Emilio. t Whipple. 

Captain Whipple thus wrote of the last hours of Colonel Merritt : — 
" On the day of our landing (Thursday) I joined him on our march up the road to 
New Berne, and we made that tedious way side by side. Each shared his scanty 
supper with the other, and in the morning, after the cold and rainy bivouac, did we 
share our breakfast. At 8 A. m., Friday, we faced the enemy's main earthwork, and 
as the first gun was fired Colonel Merritt passed by me. I said to him, ' Now, 
Colonel, take care of yourself.' He replied, with his usual pleasant smile, ' Do the 
same for yourself, Captain,' and passed on. I saw him no more, but early in the fight 
I heard of the sad result." 



50 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

shattered by a missile which passed between his legs, tearing a 
piece out of his clothing, and scratching the skin considerably. 
He writes : — 

" I had just inserted a ball in the muzzle, and was drawing 
the rammer, when my musket was struck by a piece of shell 
just below^ the lock plate, and cut completely in two. I was not 
disabled, but picked up another musket on the field, which I 
carried during the remainder of my service in the 23d." 

Emilio, Prime, and perhaps one or two others of F, noticing 
good cover among logs and brush a short distance in their front, 
notified their comrades of their intention, and crept thither 
securing vantage ground from which they used their rifles with 
good effect as they believed. It is doubtful if they would 
have done this later in the war, for while the danger from the 
enemy may not have been greater they were certainly exposed 
to the bullets of their friends. 

After the " Highlander's " ammunition was exhausted, the gun 
was hauled back a short distance for safety. One of the gun 
crew * was accosted by a staff officer, who asked him where his 
company was. He replied that he was attached to Captain 
Dayton's gun and that their ammunition was exhausted. " He 
then requested me to aid the wounded. Helping a disabled 
man back to the hospital, I was detained there to assist the sur- 
geons, whose hands were more than full, in passing their instru- 
ments and administering chloroform." 

When our ammunition was nearly spent, a Connecticut regi- 
ment advanced in front, and, with fixed bayonets, we of the 23d 
lay down and quietly awaited orders. 

A charge was finally ordered all along the line, and as the 
Union troops entered the works the enemy passed out by the 
rear in full retreat. 

A short halt was made here, long enough to note the scene 

* Southward. 




FRANK R. BUNKER. 



KOANOKE ISLAND AND NEW BERNE. 5 1 

of confusion, which presented itself, the marks of the Union fire 
being everywhere visible. The wounded had been carried to 
the camp in the rear, but horses and mules, dead or wounded, 
lay scattered through the work ; and arms, equipments, and other 
signs of hasty departure were to be seen on every hand. 

Here we noted our casualties, none being killed in the com- 
pany, the following being wounded : — 

S. H. Brooks, E. L. Browne, E. S. Cummins, F. S. Dodge, 
W. A. Pinkham, L. L. Robbins. 

Once more the company was on the march for the city 
some six miles distant. 

On the veranda of a house situated in a clearing a short dis- 
tance from the road stood an officer. Colonel Kurtz directed 
Captain Whipple to send an officer and a squad to secure him. 
" I took Corporal David Carlton and two files of men from the 
right of Company F and double-quicked up the lane. The 
officer proved to be a Doctor West, of the rebel army. He 
was in full uniform and had United States Army staff buttons. 
Near at hand was his horse, a beautiful animal, which Adjutant 
Chambers afterward b'ought of the Quartermaster's Department, 
and rode until the battle of Drury's Bluff". By Colonel Kurtz's 
directions I took the doctor to General Burnside whom I found 
near the earthwork on the battle ground." * 

At the bridge over the Trent River, which had been filled 
with rosin and turpentine and set on fire, the regiment was 
transferred by small boats to steamers. Companies A and F 
were put on board the " Delaware," and arriving first at the 
wharf in the city, awaited the arrival of the remainder. As we 
marched to new quarters in one of the deserted camps, we noted 
the desolate appearance of the town. The houses were empty, 
curtains raised, doors wide open. The streets were vacant, 
except that the negroes, with joy in their hearts, shining through 

* Bates. 



52 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

their glossy black faces, welcomed us from every corner. "I 
remember a colored woman who carried on her head a tub 
loaded with things she had secured from the deserted houses. 
Raising one hand, she cried to us in a loud voice, ' Oh Lor, oh 
Lor, how glad I is to see yer.' "* 

One member of F | who, on the " Vidette," followed the for- 
tunes of the gunboats, wrote in his diary as follows: — 

"At 10.20 we fired the first gun from the 'Vidette.' We 
had fired but two shots from the Wiard gun, and one from the 
thirty-two pounder between decks, when the signal to cease 
firing was flown from the flagship. We passed safely through 
the blockade of sunken vessels and steamed along at a rapid 
rate toward the city, now in full view. Fires could be seen 
breaking out in different places. Dense volumes of black smoke 
settled down over the entire city, enshrouding it, though it was 
mid-day, in appalling darkness. Somebody at my side com- 
pared it to the judgment day, and another to the destruction of 
the ancient ' cities of the plain.' 

" On our left as we cleared the point was seen a long bridge 
of seven or eight arches spanning the river. This had been 
filled with combustible material and set on fire, and it seemed a 
network of blazing light standing out in bold relief against the 
dark background formed by the gloomy canopy of smoke. We 
could with difficulty see anything in the streets, and it was a 
great relief to the eye of the beholder when a white side-wheeled 
steamer ran in close to the wharf." 

* Bates. t Valentine. 




DAVID W. BURCHSTEAD. 



EARLY DAYS IN NORTH CAROLINA. 53 



CHAPTER V. 

EARLY DAYS IN NORTH CAROLINA. 

March 15. Behold us now, quietly settled in one of the rebel 
mps on the Fair Ground just outside the city. The tents were 
inding when we landed from the " Delaware," and the pots of 
^at in various stages of preparation hanging over the burned- 
t fires furnished incontestable evidence of the hasty departure 
our quondam friends. Here in these rebel tents, dirty as they 
;re, we found fairly comfortable quarters. Our toilsome 
irch to New Berne on the 13th, followed by the day of battle, 
Iped us fully to appreciate those few hours of rest. Sergeant 
ayward detailed to-day to act in place of Sergt. Maj. D. H. 
hnson, who goes to Salem with the body of Lieutenant-Colonel 
erritt. 

Within a day or two" after the battle, the ofiice and plant of 
e New Berne Progress were taken into possession, and among 
s men detailed from the 23d as editors and operatives were 
ree from Company F> — B. F. Arrington, John Gray, and 
, E. Manning. They continued to issue the paper as a daily 
:hough sometimes rather short for copy. 

1 6th, Sunday. Most of the regiment attended services in one 
the city churches. Parts of Companies A, F, and D, one 
uidred men in all, under Captain Brewster, made a recon- 
)issance about eight miles up the railroad to Batchelder's 
reek. Two light guns and some small arms, left by the 
lemy in their retreat, were captured. 

Wolcott brought in a saddle horse as a present to the Captain, 
10 named him " Burnie" in honor of the general commanding 



54 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

the division. Captain Center afterwards laid claim to the 
animal, and the matter by agreement was referred to Captain 
Martin, who, on hearing the testimony, decided the dispute in 
favor of Captain Whipple. Enjoyment of the gift was of short 
duration, as an order was issued on the twenty-second directing 
that all horses in possession of line officers be turned in to the 
quartermaster's department. 

22d. Corp. J. A. Emmerton left for New York with the 
wounded men. Dress parade for the first time since the battle, 
and orders were read, notifying the regiment to be ready to 
move at eight o'clock to-morrow morning. We are to relieve 
the 27th Mass. in a three days' tour of picket duty. 

23d. We were ordered into line early this morning. The 
weather was warm, and threatening rain. After reaching the 
city the regiment was divided, four companies under Captain 
Martin of Company B, marching out to the camp of the 27th 
Mass., some eight or ten miles away. Company F was in this 
detachment, and our pickets relieved those of the 27th about 
noon. " This was our first picket, and I was the first officer in 
the regiment detailed for that duty." * 

24th. Struck camp soon after breakfast, and moved to the 
New Berne side of Deep Gully. We were well settled by din- 
ner-time, but soon after an aid brought an order directing that 
we move camp back to " Jackson's." 

26th. This morning Captain Whipple nailed the Stars and 
Stripes on the Jackson House. Relieved by the loth Conn. 
Regiment, and returned to the city. 

28th. "The New England origin of our boys was declared 
to-day in unmistakable terms. Having an eye to baked beans 
in the near future, outdoor ovens were built, the fruit of which 
we hope to enjoy, if allowed to remain here long enough." f 

30th, Sunday. The regiment marched to the Baptist church 
in the city. Chaplain Clarke preached the sermon. 

* Bates. t Haywarcl. 






W 



•^ 



WILLIAM S, COOK. 



EARLY DAYS IN NORTH CAROLINA. 



55 



31st. One of our " non corns" speaks of keeping hens. In 
addition to the benefit received from eggs, the fowls seem to 
have been valued for the fine roast and chicken-pie they fur- 
nished. The sergeant closes his memorandum with the sorrow- 
ful remark, " Only five are left." 

April 2. Company F, under Captain Whipple, formed part 
of a detachment which left the wharf in the city about nine 
o'clock, on steamer " Pilot Boy," bound for Bay River, some 
sixty miles distant. Our objective point was Jackson, where, 
report said, a company of unwilling militiamen was to be mus- 
tered into the Confederate service. We had a beautiful sail 
down the Neuse, and as we steamed up Bay River we saw a 
white flag on every house. We arrived at the landing about 
4 P. M., and not finding the Union men we expected (having 
strict orders not to remain in the river over night), the colonel 
deemed it wise not to land. Turning about and pressing our 
way rapidly down the river, we reached New Berne shortly 
before midnight, and the camp soon after. 

5th. Lieut. C. H. Bates left for home on a fifteen days' 
leave. 

6th. Corp. James A. Emmerton arrived back from furlough. 

7th. S. S. Southward and James E. Glazier detailed as 
nurses in the hospital. 

9th. Corporal Emmerton detailed as assistant to Dr. Derby. 
We were gladdened by the arrival of the paymaster, the first 
time we had seen him in three months. F sent home $2,697. 
The sutler reaped immediate benefit, a change in diet being the 
order of the day, and flour, sugar, condensed milk, and other 
luxuries were " laid in " by many. One member of F has a 
pleasant recollection of the doughnuts evolved from the un- 
wonted materials by Corp. David Carlton, " a half dozen making 
a very respectable dessert." 

Almost the whole regiment is suffering from diarrhea. Cor- 
poral Emmerton, acting as assistant surgeon, reports not more 



56 CO. F, 23 D MASS. VOLS. 

than one hundred and fifty well men for duty.* Orders were 
received this morning for the regiment " to proceed to the 
railroad bridge over Batchelder's Creek for the purpose of 
repairing it." 

" The adjutant and myself f worked until twelve o'clock 
to-night on the ten-day report, to have it ready in the morning, 
hoping that when the exact state of the regiment is seen, the 
order will be countermanded." 

nth. Struck camp this morning, the right wing starting for 
Batchelder's Creek. Reached the bridge at 5 P. M., the men 
finding quarters in the barns on the hay. 

14th. We learned to-day of the death of Samuel S. Hooper, 
of Company F, at the regimental hospital in the city. 

17th. Last night the long roll aroused the whole camp. 
Four colored friends coming out of the enemy's country and 
appearing suddenly just beyond the bridge, startled the picket, 
who discharged his musket with the above result. 

April 18. We are busily engaged in rebuilding the bridge 
across the creek, which the enemy burned on their retreat from 
New Berne. The weather is getting quite warm, especially 
between the hours of 10 A. M. and 3 P. M., and all drills are 
made later in the day. 

" Corporal Emmerton of F now acting surgeon of the regi- 
ment, as the surgeons are all at the hospitals down in the city." J 

20th. " A large fire started in the pine woods in rear of our 
camp. About twelve o'clock to-night I went to camp with the 
Major, and to our surprise the flames were approaching danger- 
ously near our left flank tents. Several tent-crews were called 
up and tents struck, as the only means of saving them." f 

22d. Up at 3.30 A. M. A detachment of the 23d moved 
out toward the front at daylight. Company F deployed as 
skirmishers. 

* Company F mustered but thirteen men for drill, f Hayward. J Emilio. 




JOSIAH M. CROCKER. 



EARLY DAYS IN NORTH CAROLINA. 5/ 

Captain Whipple was in command of the first platoon, and 
Lieut. G. R. Emmerton in charge of the second. We met no 
enemy, although we saw rebel cavalry in the distance, and in a 
driving rain returned to camp sometime after dark. 

May I. Lieut. C. H. Bates returned to-day from furlough. 

May 3. "We were relieved by the 27th Mass. to-day and 
moved back to ' Red House,' on a cross-road midway between 
the railroad and the Trent road. This is a fine plantation. The 
mansion house is quite extensive and painted red, and the lawn 
is shaded by fine large trees. The negro quarters and barns are 
in the rear and the fields are in good condition. Most of the 
slaves have left the place. The proprietor, an old man who 
lives here with wife and daughter, claims to be a Union man, 
and says he sees nothing but famine ahead of him." * 

May 5. Was a very rainy day. Our camp was pitched on 
low ground, and the water stood in pools over the field. A 
barrel sunk anywhere in the soil immediately became a well. 
At 10 o'clock P. M. it was raining very hard and the wind blow- 
ing a gale. One of the tents containing the doctor's medicine 
chest and some otherjDroperty, occupied by Prime and Wood- 
bury, was blown down and they were obliged to seek refuge in 
Company F's quarters, where they turned in for the night. Cap- 
tain Whipple received orders to-day to take command of a division 
of the 23d, made up of Companies F, I, and D, the latter under 
the immediate charge of Lieutenant Bates, to co-operate with 
other commands in the attempt to capture a band of rebel cav- 
alry said to be at the " White House," Tuscarora. 

May 6. The battalion was early in line. Orders for the day 
were read and maps of the country, showing roads, creeks, etc., 
were given the officers. Our detachment started over the coun- 
try road, fording on the way several streams from ankle to waist 
deep. Lieut. Geo. R. Emmerton had charge of an advance 

* Emilio. 



58 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

guard which skirmished through the woods and covered the 
road to prevent any surprise, as we were within the enemy's 
lines. There being other detachments out on the same errand, 
making for a common rendezvous, officers and men wore on the 
left arm a white cloth band, by which to distinguish friend from 
foe should troops meet in the woods. We neared " White 
House " about noon, and being joined by the battalion from the 
27th Mass., advanced toward the enemy, whose pickets were 
now observed. Our foes retired without venturing an engage- 
ment. 

" On the walls of the rooms in the building we found many 
scurrilous and profane verses, all decrying and abusing 'Abe 
Lincoln ' and the ' Yanks.' Captured fowls and killed some 
young porkers, and returned to camp by nightfall." * 

* Whipple. 



ON PATROL IN NEW BERNE. 59 



CHAPTER VI. 



ON PATROL IN NEW BERNE. 



May 7. At nine o'clock A. M. the right wing struck camp 
and set out for New Berne, under orders to relieve the 25th 
Mass., which was doing patrol duty in the city. The 25th not 
having yet vacated quarters, we went into camp on a green near 
the centre of the city. The left wing, detained for lack of 
transportation, did not arrive till next day. 

May 8. Company F on guard to-day. 

May 9. The 25th Mass. formed line about seven o'clock 
A. M., and the 23d immediately took possession of their quarters. 

To Company F was assigned a two-story wooden house on 
Pollock Street, between Craven and East Front Streets. In 
front was a garden of slender dimensions filled with a variety of 
flowers, whose perfunie filled the air. In the rear was the usual 
detached building for cooking purposes, and there our company 
cooks were quartered, performing all the duties incident to the 
cuisine. A large garden extended for some distance back of 
the cook-house. 

June 2. Sergeant-Major Hayward, newly promoted, was 
made happy to-day by receipt of sword, belt, sash, and revolver 
from Salem friends. 

The N. C. O.'s of Company F gave a dinner, with William 
Nichols of the 24th Band, E. Very of the 23d Band, Sergeant- 
Major Hayward, and H. E. Valentine as guests. The menu, 
consisting of turtle soup, bread pudding, and cold sauce, was of 
Mr. Sherman's best. The turtle weighed seventy-five pounds. 

June 10. We were much surprised to hear of the death of 



6o CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

Ferd. Matthews. He was at the hospital, and had been sick 
but a few days. 

The writer remembers standing upon the sidewalk a day or 
two later when the body of our departed comrade was conveyed 
to the wharf in an ambulance, preceded by Sergeant Derby 
mounted on a white horse. An old colored woman, who waited 
on the cross-walk for the ambulance to pass, remarked, as if 
talking to herself, " Pore boy, he '11 neber die no more." 

June 20. A fine review of all the troops in the department. 
Some twelve thousand men of every branch of the service were 
in line, and made a splendid showing. 

A sword forwarded by the State of Rhode Island was pre- 
sented to General Burnside, and " as he received it our boys 
rent the air with cheers." * 

June 27. An order from General Burnside directed Captain 
Whipple " to report, with forty men, on board the steamer 
'Alice Price,' for immediate duty. The number was made up 
equally from F and D ; Lieut. S. C. Hart went. They escorted 
Captain Pell, bearer of dispatches, to the camp of Colonel How- 
ard, near Swift Creek, some ten miles up the Neuse. They 
returned before night without special incident." f 

July 4. After guard mounting we marched to the Provost 
Marshal's office, where a handsome flag was raised. Chaplain 
Clarke read the Declaration of Independence and the national 
airs were played by the band. 

At noon the regiment formed and marched through the city, 
paying marching salutes at the several headquarters. In the 
afternoon the troops had the liberty of the city. 

July 8. Still another death in Company F. John E. Whit- 
tredge of Hamilton died to-day at the hospital. 

July 13. Since the establishment of a market by the Provost 
Marshal, at the foot of our company street, meat, fish, and all 

* Emilio. 1 23d History. 




WILLIAM F. DANIELS. 



ON PATROL IN NEW BERNE. 6l 

varieties of fruit can be purchased at very reasonable rates. The 
traders come many miles down the river in their boats and dug- 
outs. Swimmincr is a favorite pastime after the heat of the day, 
there being an excellent place not far from our quarters, just 
astern of the Brandt Island Shoal light-ship, which lay at the 
wharf during the time that we were on patrol in the city. 

For the better administration of martial law, during the occu- 
pancy of New Berne by the Union army, the city was divided 
into three districts (each with its guard-house), called respec- 
tively the first, second, and third, and from the place of guard- 
mounting on Broad Street the different detachments marched to 
their several stations. 

In the third district, which was in a remote part of the city, 
many of the streets were decidedly rural in aspect, well shaded, 
and, particularly at night, lonely in the extreme. It was 
" infested with suspicious persons," and at one of the posts the 
sentry had been fired upon a number of times, one of Company 
C's men being wounded. 

Perhaps many will remember that considerable competition 
existed between the guard details of the several companies, all 
being anxious to go to the third district on account of the excite- 
ment over the shooting. At guard-mounting on Broad Street, 
as the various detachments marched to their respective places 
in the line, the orderlies proceeded as slowly as possible, even 
to the extent of marking time, each desiring to place his squad 
on the left of the line, which was usually detached for the third 
district. The regimental authorities finally put a stop to the 
procedure. 

On the 26th of July, by direction of General Foster, the Pro- 
vost Marshal ordered out the regiment, and, with sappers and 
miners at the head, the 23d marched to the third district. 

Reaching the scene of the shooting, two companies were 
detailed to clear and guard the street at either end. The rest 



62 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

of the regiment stacked arms, and each company proceeded to 
act its part in the process of demolition of the house from whose 
grounds the shots had been fired. Until now the purpose of 
the movement had been kept secret. 

Company F was ordered to remove the furniture from the 
house, while others attacked the fences, cut down or pulled up 
the corn, destroyed the peach orchard and outbuildings. The 
larger part of the men directed their attention to the house itself. 
They were just in the humor for the operation, and soon every- 
thing was level with the ground. The women in the adjoining 
houses were almost wild with excitement, tearfully proclaiming 
their innocence. General Foster personally assured the citizens 
that if there was any more trouble all the houses in the neigh- 
borhood would be torn down. The men returned to quarters, 
well satisfied with their morning's work. 

Orders read on dress parade announcing a number of promo- 
tions ; among others, Second Lieut. G. R. Emmerton of F to 
be First Lieutenant in B ; Orderly Sergt. R. P. Wheeler of F 
to be Second Lieutenant in A; Sergt.-Major C. H. Hayward 
to be Second Lieutenant in F. They were ordered to report at 
once to their respective company commanders for duty. The 
Captain and Lieutenants of F presented Lieutenant Wheeler 
with sword and belt. 

July 28. Company F's detail was on guard in the third dis- 
trict, and the houses of the neighborhood were thoroughly 
examined for weapons. One woman declared there were none 
in her house, but a careful search revealed five loaded guns, one 
of them containing at least " five fingers." She claimed it was 
loaded for rats. 

July 31. Captain Whipple appointed Deputy Provost mar- 
shal and clerk of the newly organized Provost Court, of which 
Colonel Kurtz was President, and which held its sessions every 
day from 9 to 11 A. M. 

At this period flourished what Doctor Emmerton is pleased 







W" 

^w^ 



ANDREW DODGE, 2nd 



ON PATROL IN NEW I5ERNE. 63 

to call the regimental Glee Club. Beside Doctor Derby and 
Lieutenant-Colonel Elwell, Quartermaster-Sergeant Driver, 
originally of Company F, Captain Whipple, Sergeant Lee, and 
Privates Prime, Woodbury, and Valentine, members of the com- 
pany, frequently took part. 

" A quartette of Sergeant Driver, first tenor. Captain Whipple, 
second tenor, Wm. H. Becket, of A, 45th, first bass, and Myron 
W. Whitney, of I, 45th, second bass, with Sergeant Upham, as 
organist, sung the full service at the Episcopal Church regularly. 
That they were in demand for social occasions, serenades, etc., 
' goes without saying'." * 

August 7. Second Lieut. George R. Emmerton resigned 
to-day. It may be truthfully said that every officer and man in 
Company F, and probably in the regiment, regretted the enforced 
resignation of Lieutenant Emmerton on account of ill health. 
Always faithful to duty, a good disciplinarian, yet kind of heart, 
he had the respect of all. It was felt by all his comrades that 
he was a loss to the regiment. 

August 9. Company F received four recruits by the last 
steamer, and severaLmore are on the way. 

August 23. The steamer just in from New York brought 
seven recruits for Company F. With them came Lee, looking 
much improved. He goes to detailed service in the Commissary 
Department. All our men are now returned from furlough. 

August 31. "The long expected order to muster out the 
bands has come at last, and to-morrow the 23d band goes 
home." 

September i. Captain Whipple sailed to-day for Massachu- 
setts, detailed for recruiting service.f 

September 10. One of the guard came in and reported that 
our flag waved over Fort Sumter. We all joined in singing 
" Our flag is there." 

* 23d History. f September 12. Opened a recruiting office in Salem. 



64 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

October ii. " Was on guard at post 6, first district. At 9 
P. M., was feeling somewhat sleepy, when I was thoroughly 
aroused by the report of a musket in the direction of post 21. 
The sentry on post 5 and I ran up there to find that post 
21 had fired at a horse which refused to take notice of his 
challenge." 

October 12. A Sergeant and ten men from the relief off 
duty at the guard-house were sent at 7 A. M. on board the 
steamer " Oriole," which sails to-day, to look for deserters. 

" Our search was fruitless and we returned to the guard- 
house." * 

Sunday, Oct. 19. Cool and pleasant. This evening a 
prayer-meeting was held in our quarters, at which some forty 
persons were present. Glazier presided, and earnest remarks 
interspersed with good singing gave great interest to the meeting. 

Some of the diarists record a continuance of these gatherings 
at convenient seasons, and speak of them as very enjoyable. 

November 7. This afternoon about a square yard of plaster- 
ing fell in the entry, close by the door of one of the rooms. 
Knowing that someone would be called on to clear away the 
debris, the men in the room tumbled on to their cots and when 
the Orderly came upstairs were apparently fast asleep. 

Stepping into the room, he called out, " Here, you sleepy 
fellows, come help clear this up." The only response was from 
one of the recruits who asked, "What is the matter?" He 
found out. 

The occupants of one of the front rooms will doubtless "recol- 
lect a fall of plastering just after Sargent, who was on guard 
that day, sat down to his dinner. The quantity of plaster which 
was precipitated into his dipper of coffee, and frosted his hard- 
tack, to say nothing of the soup, was somewhat disconcerting. 

November 11. To-night while at supper the Orderly came 

* Valentine. 



ON PATROL IN NEW P-ERNE. 65 

in, saying, " Hurry up, we shall ' fall in ' in a few minutes." 
Soon the drums beat the assembly and we fell into line with 
equipments outside overcoats. Marched to Broad Street, where 
battalion line was formed, arms stacked, and we waited orders. 
At half past eight o'clock were ordered back to quarters, and 
directed to sleep on our arms. Turned out again at half past 
twelve o'clock and reported at General Amory's, by some mis- 
understanding too late for the duty intended, which was the 
guarding of a train to Beaufort. 

At breakfast time on the I2th the regiment again turned out 
and marched to Batchelder's Creek. Company F was thrown 
out as skirmishers. Found no rebels and arrived back to 
quarters at 6 P. M. It is reported that the enemy knew of the 
expedition leaving New Berne and, believing that the 23d only 
was left to guard the town, intended to come down with con- 
siderable force and, if possible, destroy the place. 

During our stay in New Berne, in an interval of rest from 
active service. Captain Whipple collected some twenty-five or 
more negroes of both sexes and all ages under fifty, for the pur- 
pose of teaching them to read. The school was held in the rear 
of the Quartermaster's office. So earnest were his pupils in the 
search for knowledge that they were on hand at an early hour, 
often two hours before the time. As primers were not at hand, 
an olive green window shutter served for a blackboard, the 
instruction being mainly oral. There was a great difference in 
their capacity, some being exceedingly bright and others very 
stupid. 

The Captain remembers one black girl who labored very hard 
over such words as cat, dog, and whose absurd efforts excited 
the laughter of the younger fry. She would put her head on 
one side, pout her lips, and stare at the letters on the board, 
creating no end of amusement. Then she would scowl at the 
other scholars and say, " Hush yer mouf dar! " 

An unexpected order for the teacher to report for special duty 
broke up the school in the middle of an afternoon session. 



66 C'J. F, 23 D MA55. VOLS. 

Friday. November 21. It is rumored that we are to be relieved 
from provost dut}- to-morrow by the 17th Mass. and the Adju- 
tant gave orders to the Orderly to pack up. The last night in 
quarters on Pollock Street was celebrated in the X. C. O. by a 
raw oyster supper, to which O. M. Sergt. S. P. Driver was 
in\-ited. 

We had planned for our Thanksgiving somewhat in advance, 
and fourteen turkeys were fattening for the company's dinner 
tables. It was a source of some anxiet}- as to whether we sliould 
have facilities for roasting them in our new camp. "At an\- rate 
the turke\"S \y\\\ go with us." 

" Company F is in excellent condition to go into camp, but 
two or three men being in the hospital, and the rest of the men 
well." * 

November 22. Before our guard had been entirely relieved 
this morning, regimental line was formed and we marched out 
of the city, crossing the bridge to the south side of the Trent. 
Striking off diagonally between the railroad and the river, we 
moved slowly over a sandy road, half overgrown with long wirj'- 
looking grass. About two miles from the city we located our 
new camp, and it was called " Pendleton." in honor of a member 
of General Foster's staff recently killed by accident at Washing- 
ton, N. C. We had an early roll-call and turned in to experi- 
ence a cold, uncomfortable night. 

November 27. Thanksgiving day opened clear and bright, 
although somewhat chilly. One dozen plum puddings well 
tested the baking qualities of our new oven, and by the time the 
dinner hour arrived the turkeys were " done to a turn." 

Rev. Messrs. Means and Rouse, and Quartermaster-Sergeant 
Driver were guests of the officers, and the diary of one of the 
participants testifies to the good time enjoyed. 

The N. C. O. and the privates were not behind in apprecia- 

* Havward. 



ON PATROL IN NEW BERNE. ^"J 

tion of the day, albeit there may possibly have been somewhat 
less oi style in their repast. 

General Foster had issued orders that any who could procure 
shotguns might go out for game, but few of the rank and file, I 
opine, could have any opportunity of enjoying the sport. There 
was some target practice with pistols. 

Sunday, November 30. Colonel Kurtz has resigned and his 
resignation has been accepted. He passed this morning as the 
companies were in line, being inspected. He did not even say 
*' Good bye." 

Commenced evening reading in Tent One. 
December i, 1862. Knit caps and jackets, (the latter, relics 
of the Union Drill Club) worn by some of the men when off 
duty, frequently appeared in line at evening roll-call instead of 
regulation cap and blouse. While in the city orders were issued 
for a discontinuance of the custom, but since our exit a certain 
degree of laxity in the observance of rules had at least been 
tolerated. One writer remembers wearing his once too often, 
and to-day, without warning, the stroke fell. Expecting a pass 
to the city, he was^ surprised by the Orderly who suddenly 

entered the tent with the remark, " , you must go out on 

knapsack drill." 
"What for?" 

" For wearing knit cap and Drill Club jacket at roll-call." 
" All right," was the reply, as the victim put on equipments 
and knapsack, and shouldering his musket reported to the 
Sergeant on the parade ground. 

An extra drill of two hours, followed by the usual company 
drill of the same length of time, was endured as patiently as 
possible, and in the afternoon a brigade drill about " finished " 
the poor boys of the knapsack squad. By the time they had 
double-quicked for two and one half hours, through swamps 
and bog-holes, over logs and stones hidden in the tall grass of 
the drill ground, they were ready for a night's rest, and were 



CO. F. rtr >?.i?s- vclSl 



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flVx 



THE GOLDSBORO EXPEDITION. 69 



CHAPTER VII. 



THE GOLDSBORO EXPEDITION. 



In December occurred the movement which became known 
to all participants as the Goldsboro Expedition. For several 
days previous, preparations had been pushed with vigor, the 
hasty arrival and departure of aids and orderlies at the various 
camps denoting some unusual event. 

The morning of Dec. 1 1 was disagreeably cold. The 23d 
was ordered out before daybreak, and after a hasty breakfast 
proceeded to the rendezvous on the Trent road, near Fort 
Totten. We were in light marching order, with three days' 
rations in haversacks, and forty rounds in cartridge boxes. 

It is said that some of the troops had trouble in finding their 
positions, owing to jtlie dense fog, which, hanging over the low 
grounds adjacent to the river, hovered in gauzy streaks along 
the edges of the woodlands, and enveloped all in its chill 
embrace. 

At half past nine o'clock the head of the column (Wessel's 
brigade of Peninsular troops) moved out along the river road, 
the 9th New Jersey Vols., Col. C. A. Heckman, on the skirmish 
line. Amory's Brigade, the 23d on the right, followed, Steven- 
son's and Lee's brigades being respectively third and fourth in 
line, while a long baggage train brought up the rear. An 
hour's wait at Deep Gully gave the needed time for dinner, and 
at 2.30 P. M. the march was resumed. 

About five o'clock the smoke rising above the trees near the 
head of the column indicated the welcome bivouac, and the 
23d finally reached the posif;ion assigned to it, after stumbling 



/O CO. F, 23 D MASS. VOLS. 

wearily over the hillocks of a once flourishing cornfield. Arms 
were stacked, and at the order to break ranks a rush was made 
for the nearest fences, which disappeared as if by magic, each 
man returning to the stacks laden with the needed fuel. 

Soon long lines of flame marked the position of each regi- 
ment, and as the usual preparations for supper progressed, the 
fragrant smell of cofl"ee from scores of tin cups resting upon the 
somewhat uncertain foundation of rails, sharpened appetites 
already sufficiently keen. 

All goes well unless some clumsy fellow, attempting to step 
over the " kitchen stove," strikes a rail with his foot, when, 
presto ! every cup is overturned, and the peaceful quiet of the 
scene is disturbed by the angry looks and excited words of the 
disappointed men. In such an event the only recourse is to 
prepare a new ration of coffee, if any be left, or go without, 
either alternative requiring more patience than falls to the lot 
of the average soldier. 

" After supper," writes one member of F, " three of us visited 
the spring in the edge of the woods. We noted with delight 
the picture spread out before us. On the farther side of that 
vast field dense woods, surmounted by a black sky studded 
with stars, formed a splendid background. Long lines of camp- 
fires, diminishing in apparent brightness as they receded, caused 
the polished steel of the stacked muskets to glitter like spark- 
ling gems. 

" Thousands of men were reclining about the fires, or moving 
hither and thither, while in the extreme distance belated regi- 
ments could be seen filing into their respective places, the men 
presenting an odd appearance as they came within the circle of 
firelight, each with his musket on one shoulder and a section 
of Virginia fence over the other. They well knew that rails 
would be scarce near the bivouac." 

As the evening wore away, many, wisely thinking of the mor- 
row's demands, sought their blankets. Here and there groups 




GEORGE H. S. DRIVER. 



THE GOLDSBORO EXPEDITION. J I 

of men were earnestly discussing some interesting topic, while 
others, probably the future historians, jotted down a n'sinnc of 
the day's march. One by one they disappeared, and soon the 
guards about headquarters and the stacks, with the poor unfor- 
tunates on picket, were the only waking representatives of the 
sleeping host. 

Early next morning the camp was astir. Most proceeded to 
their ablutions, but " if the water is scarce in the canteen, and 
the spring seems too distant, that ceremony may be deferred to 
a more convenient season." At seven o'clock we were again on 
the march, and the camp-ground, so busy a place last evening 
and in the early morning, w^as left desolate. 

Fires were smouldering, and here and there a dipper, a tin 
plate, or other article dropped by some careless soldier, remained 
to be appropriated by the ever present negro. 

We soon passed through a barricade of trees which had been 
cleared away during the night by our pioneers. Ankle-deep 
creeks crossed the road with unpleasant frequency. We went 
into camp about half past seven o'clock, our evening meal being 
agreeably re-enforced_by pork and honey secured at our noon- 
day halt. 

Saturday, December 13. We moved out about 7.30 A. M., a 
sign-board informing us that we were nine miles from Kinston. 
The roads were much improved, and ere long we passed a field 
of cotton which was yet to us a novel sight. While resting by 
the roadside we heard firing ahead, and a company of cavalry 
and two light batteries dashed up the road, the infantry giving 
way right and left. 

A circuitous march by flank through a mill and over the dam 
brought us to a road which we followed for some distance. 
After a long halt and then another move through mud and 
water for a quarter of a mile, we reached our place of bivouac, 
where fires were allowed only long enough to cook a ration of 
coffee. The night proved exceedingly cold and uncomfortable. 



72 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

Sunday, 14th. We left camp about 9 A. M., and in a short time 
were in battle array before Kinston. The regiment was ordered 
toward the left, moving just in rear of our line of battle. We 
think that many will have a vivid recollection of the crowd of 
stragglers seeking refuge in the woods beyond us as we hurried 
along to our new position. 

In a dense swamp stumbling awkwardly over the roots of trees, 
hidden by a foot or more of water, our line of battle was formed 
in support of one of the Peninsular regiments, whose men we 
could see loading and firing near a stone wall in the edge of the 
woods. 

Many men from the regiment in front came back, endeavoring 
to get through our line, but all attempts to go to the rear via 
the 23d were frustrated. The bullets flew overhead in lively 
style, but so high that few men were struck, only one in F, 
Sergt. David Carleton, who was slightly wounded. 

At the order to move forward we climbed the wall, pushed up 
the hill, taking position near one of our batteries where we were 
ordered to lie down. Meanwhile our comrades of the centre 
and right were heavily engaged, losing many men, and after a 
hard contest, drove the enemy across the bridge, and the victory 
was gained. Our modest effort on the left was probably a help 
to the grand result. 

Crossing the bridge we passed through the little town, noting 
the comfortable-looking houses, the wide streets, and the general 
well-to-do aspect which prevailed. On the outskirts we en- 
camped for the night. A section of light artillery near us, after 
throwing a few shells at the flying enemy, withdrew toward the 
town, leaving us to seek our much needed rest. 

" While talking with two prisoners, men of fifty years of age, 
probably, one of them pointed to our colors and asked what flag 
that was. Supposing he meant the State color, I explained the 
design to him and told him we were Massachusetts troops. He 
appeared hardly satisfied, and I inquired which one he meant. 




CHARLES E. EDGERLY. 



THE GOLDSBORO EXPEDITION. 73 

He replied, ' That striped one.' He told me he had never before 
seen the United States flag, although he was born and always 
liv^ed in North Carolina." * 

15th. Left camp about eight o'clock, recrossed the bridge, 
and turning our backs on the New Berne road, pushed on toward 
Goldsboro. 

" At the noon halt, thinking to lighten our loads, Tilton and I 
cast away our blankets (beautiful ones they were) and left them 
hanging upon the rail fence beside the road as we marched on." 

It rained in the afternoon, and just before dark we encamped. 
As the night came down and obscured the features of the land- 
scape, a bright light, reflected by the dense clouds hanging low 
in front, was. ascribed either to rebel camp-fires or a burning 
bridge. 

Emilio found his feet so chafed by his shoes that he discarded 
them. " Each morning about the camp-fires I gathered cast-off 
socks, drawing on three or four pairs, and in that condition 
marched all day. Night found me nearly barefoot at the 
bivouac. This process I repeated daily, until our return to 
New Berne." _ 

i6th. March was resumed in the direction of Whitehall. 

At half past ten o'clock firing was heard in front and as the 
23 d halted on the top of a hill, from which the road descended with 
a gentle incline into the valley, we saw a line of blue coats moving 
forward toward the woods on the right of the road, quickly 
disappearing among the trees. Our stop was short ; soon came 
the sharp call to attention. Down the hill we went in double 
files, and at the order, " On right by file into line," the regiment 
moved steadily into position, facing the woods and the river. 
There were ominous sounds in the air, and the crack of rifles 
echoed and re-echoed through those gloomy woods, while just 
in our rear several pieces of light artillery were throwing shells 
in very careless fashion over our heads. A few vivid words 

* Hayward. 



74 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

from the Major, a hurried seeking of position by right and left 
general and color guides ; and at the sharp incisive word of 
command, the march in line of battle began. 

Steadily, as on parade, the line moved across that wide field, 
many to wounds and death. Hardly a word was spoken. 
Occasionally a half whispered "Steady, men " was heard, while 
the suppressed breathing and tightly closed lips denoted a full 
realization of the ordeal to which the regiment was marching. 
The reserve commands near by looked on with admiration at 
the perfect alignment, and words of praise were freely accorded 
by the general officers and staff. 

VVe soon reached the woods, and entering their shade found 
ourselves on the sloping bank of a narrow stream, whose waters 
were rushing madly by as if to escape from some terrible 
calamity. On the other side, the ground was covered with 
underbrush and the confederates in gray and russet garments 
could hardly be distinguished from the bushes which concealed 
them. On our side, the bank was clear of growth and the blue 
overcoats made conspicuous targets for the enemy. As we 
reached the bank, the order came " Fire by file," and from the 
right of each company the sharp report of rifles told that our 
men were " on deck," and it must be confessed our overcharged 
feelings were somewhat relieved. Company F was the color 
company, and scarcely had we become engaged when Almy 
and Manning, on the left near the colors, fell. 

One who helped carry Manning to the rear writes : " We had 
carried him but a short distance when a passing officer 
remarked ' It 's of no use to carry him farther.' He was already 
dead and we laid him down and went back into the line. As I 
approached I missed my place by a few feet and picked up 
Manning's rifle, the stock being stained with his blood." 

In the thick of the melee, Swaney called to the Major, who 
was just in our rear, and asked if the company was not support- 
ing the colors well. "Yes," he replied, " I 'm proud of the 
regiment." 




LUIS F. EMILIO, 



THE GOLDSBORO EXPEDITION. 75 

For two hours or more we held our place until, short-timed 
shells from our own batteries, falling into close proximity, did 
more damage to us than to the enemy, and we were ordered 
out. We fell back slowly, still firing, and once out of the woods 
marched by flank to one side for rest and ammunition. 

While resting here the roll was called and our losses were 
ascertained to be as follows : — 

Killed: Hiram H. Almy, Charles Manning. 

Wounded: Lieut. C. H. Hayward, Albert C. Ellison, George O. Hinckley, George 
H. Nourse, Oliver H. Saunders, Curtis E. Wadleigh, 

Tilton's musket was struck by a ball soon after we entered 
the woods, but he received no harm. 

The author well remembers the desire, mutually expressed 
by Almy and Manning, to stand together in the ranks. They 
were in the front line on the left, close to the colors, and had 
" touched elbows" at Roanoke and New Berne as well as at 
other times when both had been present for duty. It seems 
pathetic now, as we recall their regard for each other, and 
remember that both fell at Whitehall, the only men slain in 
Company F. 

An endeavor was made to get out our wounded from the 
bank of the river, Sergeant Emilio and some others volunteering 
for that service, but the enemy's sharpshooters were picking off 
all who came in sight, and a line of guards had been posted, 
whose orders were to allow no one to go through for any 
purpose and the effort failed. 

As we marched off the field and took the road toward Golds- 

boro, the welkin rang with the voices of the men singing in 

hearty chorus, 

" Rally round the flag, boys. 
Rally once again." 

Having the rear of the column after leaving Whitehall, we 
arrived late on the field at Everettsville next day, and waited in 
reserve, improving the opportunity thus afforded for making 
coffee. 



76 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

The object of the expedition, the severance of railroad com- 
munication at this point, being now accompHshed, we started 
on the backtrack, halting at our camping ground of the previous 
night. 

Hardly were our bivouac fires burning, when we were hurried 
into line and, part of the way at double-quick, we proceeded for 
two or three miles toward the front, when the order was coun- 
termanded and we turned about and trudged wearily back to 
our fires. A sudden attack upon the rear of our column by the 
re-enforced enemy looked serious for a time, but was hand- 
somely repulsed without our help. 

On the eighteenth we recommenced our march at 4 A. M. and 
except an hour for dinner, marched until 4.30 P. M., covering 
twenty-three miles. Our way took us through burning pine 
woods. At times the heat was intense, the air suffocating. All 
the foliage had been burned off and the blackened tree-trunks, 
ashy white in places, looked like ghosts through the clouds of 
smoke which filled the woods and rendered the road almost im- 
passible. When we went into camp at night, the men were so 
black with soot and dust, that one could hardly recognize an 
old friend, and there was much friendly raillery on account of 
each other's handsome appearance. 

Through the next two days the column dragged its slow 
length along, reaching Deep Gully where it encamped at 4 P. M. 
of the twentieth. 

The wagon train pushed on through the evening, several 
members of the company,* by aid of a friendly officer (a towns- 
man), securing conveyance to New Berne. 

" This was a most uncomfortable ride. We sat upon a pile 
of muskets on the bottom of that springless army wagon. The 
cold wind swept through the openings of the canvas from front 
to rear as through a tunnel, and overcoats were but a slim pro- 



* Emilio, Tilton, Valentine, and perhaps others. 




WILLIAM F, FISCHER, 



THE GOLDSnORO EXPEDITION. TJ 

tection against the chilling blast. Stiffened with cold and lame 
from the severe jolting, we reached the city about ten o'clock."* 

The troops arrived Sunday forenoon, and it was hke getting 
home to find ourselves back in our old quarters at Camp 
Pendleton. 

In a letter under date of December 22, Captain Whipple 
wrote: " My company on the late expedition had the honor of 
defending the colors, and at Whitehall was ordered forward into 
the heat of the fight, responding nobly and promptly." 

The Captain did not add what others noted, and one writer 
expressed: "The Captain sat there under that heavy fire coolly 
emptying his revolver at the enemy, and every man did well." 

" This expedition is memorable to the recruits of the 23d, as 
at Kinston we received our first baptism of fire, and after our 
return we heard very little about the recruits not seeing service. "f 

During the absence of the company on the Goldsboro expe- 
dition. Corporal G. S. Mansfield with a squad of men, unable to 
march, remained at Evan's Mills. | Jan. 13, 1863, he was sent 
to Portsmouth, N. C. The Corporal writes that the monotony 
was somewhat varied,-by attendence at funerals of soldiers who 
died there, he usually having charge of the escort. 

" Jan. 30, I was ordered over to the Doctor's, meeting there 
some ten or twelve non-commissioned officers. We were in- 

* Valentine. 

t The experiences of those who accompanied the sick and wounded down the river 
from Kinston, should not be ignored. " So closely were they crowded upon the deck 
of the barge that we could hardly get about to minister to their wants. Many bore 
their sufferings without a murmur. Others were delirious, and the burning thirst that 
accompanies gunshot wounds forced from them pitiful cries for water." — Troivt. 

I The 23d History states that Sergeant Hutchinson of Company H was in charge at 
Evan's Mills. A letter from the Sergeant to Mansfield disclaims this, while Mans- 
field claims to have had a characteristic order from Major Chambers to yield the 
charge to no one but the Provost Marshal or another officer, mentioned by name. 
Geo. E. Osgood and John Waldron were with the Evan's Mills squad, and Sergeant 
Tibbetts and Corporal Phippen were at Portsmouth. 



78 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

formed we were to try a man for stealing. Sergeant Tibbetts 
of F was appointed judge advocate and I, clerk of the court. 
On the evidence, we pronounced the man guilty, and ordered 
that he parade back and forth in front of the hospital for two 
hours each day for several days, bearing upon his back a 
placard with the word THIEF printed thereon in large letters. 

"We also tried two corporals for some minor offences, and 
they were sentenced to sit at the gate near by and keep the 
man travelling during his two hours' term of punishment." 

From the twelfth to the twenty-eighth of March, Mansfield 
was at Portsmouth, N. C, taking the census, spending one day 
(the twenty-sixth) at Ocracoke on the same duty. This census, 
ordered by the War Department, was for the purpose of ascer- 
taining who were inside our lines and whether for or against the 
Union. 

He returned to the company May 7, while in camp at Caro- 
lina City. 

Little of moment is recorded during the remainder of our 
stay in Camp Pendleton. A few days were allowed for recuper- 
ation after our return from the Goldsboro expedition, and then 
the usual drills and routine of the camp occupied the time. 

The only occurrences which seemed to the diarists worthy of 
note, were the advent of the Paymaster, and the departure for 
home of J. Albert Manning, with the body of his brother 
Charles, which had been secured from the field at Whitehall 
under flag of truce. 




GEORGE V. BARRETT, 
2cl Lieut. 



THE SOUTH CAROLINA CAMPAIGN. 79 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THE SOUTH CAROLINA CAMPAIGN. 

January i, 1863. The New Year opened bright and clear. 
The regiment was inspected by Lieut. E. D. Gardner, A. D. C. 
on the staff of our new Brigadier. 

2d. H. E. Valentine detailed to-day to report to the Assistant 
Adjutant General at headquarters of the 3d Brigade, 2d Divis- 
ion, 1 8th Army Gorps. 

7th. Lieut. R. P. Wheeler formerly F's Orderly Sergeant, 
later a Lieutenant in Gompany A, ordered to Brigade head- 
quarters as Ghief of Ambulance Gorps, on the staff of General 
Heckman. 

nth. Orders read on dress parade this afternoon directed 
the regiment to hoW itself in readiness to proceed by rail to 
Carolina City near Beaufort. " We have been assigned to the 
3d Brigade, 2d Division, i8th Army Gorps, under the immediate 
command of Brig.-Gen. G. A. Heckman." 

1 2th. Sergt.-Major Geo. V. Barrett, promoted to 2d Lieuten- 
ant and assigned to Gompany F, reported to Captain Whipple 
at 4 P. M. He received three cheers from the company, and his 
diary records a jolly time at headquarters in the evening. 

Tents were struck and we bivouacked on the camp ground 
until next morning (13th) when, in heavy marching order, the 
regiment with all its camp equipage boarded the train. A two 
hours' ride took us to the " City " which with its " three houses 
and a barn," as described by one of the diarists, failed to meet 
the expectations engendered by the name. 

From the sandy bluff on which we pitched our tents, we 



80 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

could overlook Bogue Sound, across which, at the distance of 
two miles or more, the " Banks " lifted their hillocks of white 
sand, stretching right and left as far as the eye could reach. 
" Every day while we remained here crowds of soldiers could 
be seen up to their knees in mud and water, searching for 
oysters and clams, which abounded in the shallow waters of the 
sound." * 

On the night of the fifteenth the wind blew violently, driving, 
the rain in slanting sheets across the plain. Fierce gusts and 
shrinking canvas combined to draw innumerable pins, and many 
tents were prostrated. "We awoke about 3 A. M., and found 
the pins drawn out from one side, and the tent pole ready to 
fall. We had to get up and make longer pins to hold every- 
thing fast. We then turned in and slept until nearly morning, 
when we were again disturbed, this time by the entrance of the 
Captain and Lieutenant, half dressed, whose tent had been 
blown down, leaving them to seek shelter elsewhere."* 

17th. Orders were received for the company commissary to 
draw twenty days' rations, and to cook and distribute five. 
Muskets were to be in good order, and we were to be ready to 
embark as soon as the vessels were supplied with fuel and 
Avater. 

1 8th. "Sunday morning, the regiment was called out for 
battalion drill. In the course of the manoeuvres, the order was 
given to charge and instead of the deafening yell which always 
accompanied the movement there was an ominous silence, the 
men thus showing their disapproval." f 

19th. Tents were struck shortly after noon, and camp 
equipage taken on cars to Morehead City, a guard being 
posted over it for the night. The regiment marched along 
the railway reaching Morehead about nightfall. 

" We expected to embark immediately, but owing to some 

* Emilio. t Trowt. 






SAMUEL H. HAMBLET. 



THE SOUTH CAROLINA CAMPAIGN. 61 

mismanagement this could not be done. The weather was 
cold and stormy, and the prospect of sleeping all night in the 
open air, rather doleful. A consultation of officers resulted in 
orders to occupy the vacant houses of the neighborhood. Im- 
mediately a rush at double-quick was made, and, thanks to the 
efforts of our new 2d Lieut., Geo. V. Barrett, recently promoted 
from Sergeant-Major, Company F secured fine quarters. A 
few moments sufficed to get off equipments, make a fire and 
cook some coffee, and by ten o'clock all were asleep." * 

Line was formed about ten o'clock next morning, and march- 
ing to the depot, we embarked on the ship " James Morton " to 
which we were conveyed by our old friend, the stern-wheeler 
" Union." The over-crowding on the " Morton " was a source 
of much discomfort. 

23d. Towed by the steamers " Port Royal" and "Allison" 
to an anchorage off Fort Macon where we remained for a 
week or more. It was a sort of prison life, although there were 
some lively scenes, as there must be where so many men are 
crowded together. " At night the harbor was beautifully illumin- 
ated by the many lights displayed through the fleet." A heavy 
gale sprung up on the twenty-sixth continuing with considerable 
severity until the afternoon of the twenty-ninth, when it began 
to clear and the wind abated, although heavy rollers continued 
to pour in from the open sea. 

At this late day, Bunker writes, " I wish, while pursuing your 
investigations, you would find out who it was that occupied the 
bunk over me on the ship ' Morton.' I crawled out of my 
berth one morning and something of nearly the consistency of 
gruel was emptied over the back part of my head and neck." 

On the twenty-seventh, sealed orders were received to be 
opened when off Wilmington. Early on the thirty-first we were 
towed out of the harbor by the " James Freeborn," striking very 

* Eniilio. 



82 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

heavily once as we crossed the bar. It was a perfect day, and 
we had a charming sail down the coast. The ocean was calm 
as a summer sea, and shoals of porpoises tumbled about the 
vessel, darting across our bows with great rapidity. Scores 
of gulls followed in our wake, screaming vigorously, as they 
swooped down to the surface of the water for bits of hard-tack 
and pork, thrown overboard by the soldiers. 

Orders were opened about noon, and we learned that Port 
Royal, S. C, was our destination. 

"In the evening some little excitement was caused on board 
by a challenge from the gunboat ' Genesee ' of the Wilmington 
blockading squadron." * 

February i . At three o'clock in the afternoon we passed the 
blockading squadron off Charleston, and about noon of the next 
day entered the harbor of Port Royal, S. C, coming to anchor 
not far from the town of Hilton Head, whose low white buildings 
at once attracted our attention. The spacious haven had ample 
room for hundreds of vessels, and we found the steamers of our 
North Carolina fleet awaiting the arrival of the slower sailing 
vessels. Across the bay, their rugged lines and threatening 
aspect softened by distance, lay the "frigates "Wabash" and 
"Vermont," and near them the formidable battery known as 
the " New Ironsides." A little nearer the shore the monitor 
" Weehawken " " showed but a dark line upon the water, sur- 
mounted by a black mass — her turret." Some of the diarists 
have recorded interesting visits to these novel craft in hours of 
"off duty." 

loth. Towed by the steamer " T. S. Secor" to an anchorage 
just off the wharf at St. Helena Island, upon which the succeed- 
ing day we were landed by the " Wheelbarrow." 

Although delayed somewhat by the non-arrival of our tents, 
we were comfortably settled at nightfall, and glad to find our- 

* Trowt. 



THE SOUTH CAROLINA CAMPAIGN. 83 

selves on terra firma again after having been confined on ship- 
board, leading a tiresome life, for three weeks. 

" Expecting to remain here some time we have made ourselves 
comfortable by covering our tent floor with moss which hangs 
profusely from trees in the woods. Some have used the 
immense palmetto leaves for the same purpose."* 

" We had here a fine camp ; and having one day accidentally 
found clear water at a depth of four feet, we went that same 
evening to the edge of the parade ground and dug a hole about 
six feet deep. In the morning it was full of water. This we 
bailed out, and deepening the hole somewhat, placed three pork 
barrels with the ends knocked out, on each other, so that the top 
one stood out about three feet above ground. We thus had an 
unfailing supply of excellent water, and taking the hint from F, 
there was soon a well at the foot of each company street." f 

1 2th. General Hunter assumed command of the "recently- 
arrived re-enforcements," as he termed our division, and it was 
reported that General Foster had gone to Washington to secure 
a settlement of mooted questions. 

This morning out- camp was visited by a white man and a 
negro, the former a government overseer. They appeared to 
be in search of something, and taking their bearings from some 
point across the river, the negro said " Here 's whar the house 
stood. Thar 's the old corner post." They borrowed a shovel, 
and a few moments' digging, just inside Company F's head- 
quarters' tent, brought to light a stone jar about a foot high con- 
taining quite a sum of money in specie, the darkey's hard-earned 
savings. A negro settlement had been burned shortly before we 
landed, on the very spot occupied by the 23d's camp. Some of 
the men bewailed the ill luck which prevented their finding 
the 'jar. 

Diaries of this period speak of trouble in the regiment, vari- 

* Emilio. t Browne. 



84 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

ous causes being assigned ; one writer attributing it to too 
much drill and too few passes to Hilton Head. Long confine- 
ment on shipboard, attended as it is by more or less laxity in 
discipline, is always demoralizing, and possibly those in authority 
making no allowances for existing conditions did not deal with 
the difficulty in the wisest way. 

However that may be, the men were directed to remain in 
company streets, and orders for roll-call every two hours be- 
tween sunrise and sunset were issued, said to emanate from 
Headquarters of the Department. The guard house, the buck 
and gag were both utilized in the punishment of what were 
deemed gross acts of insubordination. Even a row of stocks 
fronting the line was not void of occupants during the hour of 
dress parade. 

Measures like these, painful to the self-respecting, and of 
doubtful efficacy as regards offenders, injured the good name of 
the regiment more than the lapses for which they were consid- 
ered proper punishment. 

When it is remembered that the regiment was, in drill and 
discipline, the peer of any of equal length of service, and that 
never before or afterwards, in camp or field, did it refuse duty, 
however difficult or dangerous, it may be conceded that what- 
ever of discredit accrued to the 23d on account of these 
troubles, not all the blame should rest upon the enlisted men. 

22d. In honor of the day, every vessel in the fleet was gayly 
decorated with flags and bunting. 

A corporal and twelve men were detailed from the 23d for 
headquarters' guard. F was represented in this squad by Chas. 
O. Sargent and J. G. S. Carleton. 

March i. We learn from New Berne letters that Captain 
Whipple, whom we left in North Carolina ill with rheumatism, is 
almost well, but General Foster, it is said, allows neither officers 
nor men to leave his department for South Carolina. 

6th. Lieut. R. P. Wheeler, formerly of F, who had been act- 




^?»> 










JACOB C. HILTZ. 



THE SOUTH CAROLINA CAMPAIGN. 85 

ing as Chief of Ambulance Corps for the Brigade, was to-day 
appointed A. A. D. C. on the staff of Brig.-Gen. C. A. Heckman. 

14th. Mocking-birds were very abundant. One of Company 
F's boys, detailed at Brigade headquarters, wrote in his diary : — 

" Stowell (K) and I have been sitting outside the office tent, 
watching the mocking-birds as they flit ceaselessly about the 
large bush in front of our camp. They sing the sweetest songs 
and very cleverly imitate other birds. They are about as large 
as our robins, but much quicker in their motions." 

20th. " Awoke this morning to hear the monotonous drip 
of the rain, as it fell with incessant patter upon our canvas 
roof. Yesterday was uncomfortably warm ; to-day overcoats 
are in requisition, and they are to be envied who possess camp 
stoves." 

2 1st. "Since we came ashore, our time has been taken up 
with drill and fatigue, very little time being left for ourselves 
Even Sunday is not spared to us, for we have been obliged to 
drill for the last two Sundays."* 

While we were thus inactive at St. Helena, some sixty-six men 
from the army (foor from the 23d) were detached for special 
service, by an order from the War Department (promulgated 
through regular channels), as follows: — 

S. O. No. 79. 

War Department, A. A. Gen. Office, 

Washington, Feb. 17, 1S63. 

The following-named officers and enlisted men are hereby detailed for special ser- 
vice, and will report for duty to Brig.-Gen. D. Ullman, 200 Broadway, N. Y. . . . 
Q. M. Sergt. S. P. Driver, 23d Mass. 
Sergt. Putnam T. Derby, Company F., 23d Mass. 
Sergt. P. M. Fowler, " " 

Sergt. Luis F. Emilio " " 

By order of the Secretary of War, 

L. THOMAS, Adjutant General. 

* Tilton. 



86 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

Sergeant Emilio did not report under this order, as he was 
allowed to accept a commission (tendered him somewhat later) 
in the 54th Mass, 

" It certainly required at that time moral as well as physical 
courage to accept a commission in any colored organization," * 
an assertion which we think no one with any knowledge of 
those times will be disposed to controvert. 

April 3. A pleasant day, but in the evening a fierce gust of 
wind swept over the island, raising the sand in clouds, so dense 
that the nearest camps could not be seen. The rain soon began 
to fall, and for a short time it poured in torrents. 

Orders to strike tents were received, and " for two hours there 
was fun in the camp. Bonfires, fed by old chairs, tables, and 
other impedimenta collected during our fifty days' stay," lighted 
up the sky. At a late hour we marched to the landing and 
embarked on the steamer " United States," General Heckman's 
flag-ship. 

5th. We sailed from Port Royal, and in a few hours anchored 
off the mouth of the North Edisto River, waiting for the tide to 
serve. The gunboat "South Carolina" hailed us, and directed 
that we follow her in about sundown. At the appointed time 
she entered the river, and, following her lead, we moved slowly 
and cautiously through the fleet, anchoring a short distance up 
the river, opposite the town of Rockville, S. C, which seemed 
pleasantly located on the northern bank. 

Here, for several days, we enjoyed ourselves as well as we 
could, considering the monotony, and the sand-flies, which hung 
in clouds over the river, getting into mouth, nose, and ears, 
proving a veritable nuisance. 

loth. Preparations were made to land, and some of the 
troops were already in the boats, when the " Nellie Baker," des- 
patch boat, arrived from Stono Inlet, bringing news of the 
failure of the attack upon Fort Sumter, and directing General 

* Emilio. 




CHARLES MANNING. 



THE SOUJ'll CAROLINA CAMPAKiN. 8/ 

Heckman to proceed at once to Piilton Head with his brigade 
and assume command of the post. 

The order was received at 12 M., and at 1.15 P. M. the whole 
fleet was underway, reaching our old anchorage off Hilton Head 
in a few hours. Next morning the brigade disembarked, and 
the regiment bivouacked in front of the general hospital. 
General Hunter, with all his force, returned during the after- 
noon, and on the twelfth General Terry relieved General Heck- 
man, who resumed command of the brigade. 

On the thirteenth we went on board the " United States," 
leaving the harbor at a quarter past two o'clock, and on the 
morning of the fifteenth arrived off Beaufort, N. C. Signal was 
made for a pilot, but it was so rough he was unable to come 
out, so we laid off and on all day, putting out to sea quite a 
distance for safety. One diarist* (he was not alone) records, 
" Have not been up all day. Am mighty sick." 

1 6th. We went over the bar in fine style, and at lO A. M. 
were at the wharf at Morehead. Landing, we placed our stuff 
on platform cars, and, with the 23d's national colors and the 
brigade flag on the engine, left for New. Berne, where we arrived 
at 4.30 o'clock r. M. As the 23d alighted from the cars there 
was great cheering, shaking of hands, etc., and the regiment 
proceeded to headquarters, receiving the congratulations of 
the commanding General and staff. 

On return of the company from South Carolina, George A. 
Dodge, who had been in the hospital during our absence, was 
detailed as regimental post-master. He held this position until 
the regiment was disbanded. 

"That this office was no sinecure, any one who was with the 
23d during the period from Drury's Bluft' to Cold Harbor, and 
the long, dreary months in front of Petersburg, knows full well." * 

* Barrett, * Trowt. 



88 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 



CHAPTER IX. 

CAMPS AND TRAMPS IN NORTH CAROLINA. 

April 17. "About ten o'clock A. m. the Adjutant put his 
head into my tent and said, ' You will deal out to your men 
three days' rations and sixty rounds of ammunition. Be ready 
to start off immediately.' "* 

Not yet recovered from the effects of our late boisterous 
passage from Port Royal, sadly needing rest, our expectations 
of a few quiet days were dissipated. One o'clock found us on 
the other side of the Neuse River, where we waited for the 9th 
New Jersey, 17th Mass., and a section of Belger's battery. 
Upon their arrival, we took the advance in the direction of 
Little Washington. 

Captain Whipple, who had been ill with rheumatism, joined 
us at the boat and accompanied us until we halted for the night, 
about eight miles out. He found himself unequal to the task, 
and was obliged to return. 

Next day we pushed on about sixteen miles to a battery where 
we confidently expected a brush with the enemy, but to our 
surprise he had evacuated it. Here we bivouacked for the night, 
disturbed once by a shot from the pickets, a negligent cavalry- 
man failing to respond to challenge. 

Lieutenant Barrett, with a party of twelve men, was ordered 
to take despatches to the commander at Hill's Point, being 
furnished with a negro guide. I 

* Hayward. 

t rtiis attempt proved abortive, for Barrett's squad joined us on the march next 
morning, having wandered about nearly all night, it being so dark the guide lost the 
vi^ay. — Hayward. 










'O 



U4 



^ -^ 



o 






5^< 

^"^ 
u 



CAMPS AND TRAMPS IN NORTH CAROLINA. 89 

Sunday, 19th. The day was spent in marching and counter- 
marching without much purpose, as it seemed to the men. 
Finally, we halted near a cross-road where our battery was 
unlimbered for action and the pioneers were rapidly felling trees 
in front. Appearances indicated that trouble was brewing, but 
in this case proved deceitful, for we shortly moved on to the 
river and encamped for the night. 

20th. Although we were not allowed to fire our muskets, 
some one managed to kill a pig, which was promptly made into 
bacon, and " we did ample justice to the porker." 

Toward night we were ferried in detachments to the steamer 
" Phoenix " by aid of small skiffs and dug-outs, it being dark 
before all were embarked. At 4.30 o'clock A. M. of the twenty- 
first we started for New Berne. One diarist records that " the 
wind, and constant motion of the men kept the steamer out of 
trim." It was rainy at intervals and quite cold, and we did not 
reach our destination until 10 P. M., "thoroughly disgusted with 
the ' Phoenix ' as a transport." 

25th. In pursuance of orders received yesterday afternoon, 
we struck camp thrs^ morning early and proceeded by rail to 
Carolina City, arriving about 12 M. We were glad to find our- 
selves once more " tenting on the old camp-ground." 

Sunday, 26th. Despite the day, the men were busy improving 
their quarters. Tents were floored, ovens built, and there was a 
good-natured rivalry between the 9th New Jersey and our regi- 
ment as to which should outdo the other. By night some of the 
ovens were ready for use. 

A pencil sketch of the time figures a very comfortable cook- 
house, and near by, a large turret-shaped oven surmounted by a 
pole, on the top of which some genius, possibly Chappie the 
commissary, had placed a house for the martins, built after the 
model of a monitor. At the side of the cook-house, and some- 
what in rear of the oven, was a barrel sunk in the ground form- 
ing a convenient well. 



go CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

The whole was surrounded by an ornamental fence (betoken- 
ing considerable skill and ingenuity in its fashioning), which, 
according to one writer, was the handiwork of Corporal 
Crocker, who, however, claims only to have had charge of the 

detail. 

Nearly all the companies had bird-houses of various patterns, 
and the martins not only gave a lively aspect to the camp by 
their swift motions and graceful flight, but cheered us by their 
songs. 

29th. Rumors of the resignation of Captain Whipple were 
confirmed to-day when he arrived in camp and made arrange- 
ments for the transfer of company property to Lieutenant 
Hayward. He has been discharged on Surgeon's certificate. 

30th. " Our old time Corporal, now Assistant Surgeon 
Emmerton, paid us a visit to-day." 

Sunday, May 3. " Received commendation from the Major 
for the good order and neatness of the company quarters. Had 
orders to make out furloughs for five per cent of our enlisted 
men present for duty." 

" Chappie, F. S. Dodge, Fischer, and Symonds were selected 
by lot. Chappie and Dodge gave up their chances to Town- 
sand and Woodbury, respectively. For some reason, Wood- 
bury's furlough was disapproved." * 

5th. Sergt. David Carlton promoted to Orderly Sergeant 
to-day. 

Sunday, lOth. After dress parade. Chaplain Clark held a 
short service, " the first one for a long time." 

1 2th. Review of the 9th N. J. and 23d Mass. by General 
Heckman. 

13th. It is understood that Lieut. H. P. Woodbury has been 
recommended for promotion as Captain of F. 

17th. "I believe F is the only company as yet that has 

* Hayward. 




■m 




HENRY P. WOODBURY, 
Captain. 



CAMPS AND TRAMPS IN NORTH CAROLINA. 91 

aspired to a chimney for its cook-house ; but it enables us to 
cook inside at the open fireplace. The oven and well inside the 
yard are very convenient. Corporals Townsend and Mansfield 
have made me a fine rustic chair." * 

27th. In furtherance of the rage for improvement, bricks 
were hauled to-day for the purpose of flooring F's cook-house. 

31st. Sickness in the company, and large details for fatigue, 
leave not a man available for company drill. 

June I. Orders were read at dress parade appointing Lieu- 
tenant Woodbury Captain of F. The company books, and other 
property, were turned over to him by Lieutenant Hayward, 
who expresses relief at giving up the responsibility. It was 
some days, however, before Captain Woodbury took up his abode 
with the company. 

4th. Charles M. Dow, of Company F, died at 5 P. M. Sur- 
geon Roberts reported it as the first death in the regiment by 
disease for six months. Lieutenant Hayward visited him yes- 
terday and expected to see him out of the hospital in a week. 
His discharge papers had already been made out and forwarded 
to headquarters. ~ 

Lieutenant Hayward sent to Morehead to take charge of a 
party at work there on the fortifications. 

5th. Dow was buried to-day. This was the first funeral that 
the company had attended in a body. " We buried him in a 
beautiful grove of pines, a short distance down the railroad 
toward Morehead. Corporal Woodbury had charge of the 
escort, and with the roll of muffled drums and the piercing 
notes of the fife, the funeral procession marched to the grave in 
the usual order of inversion, — privates, corporals, sergeants, and 
commissioned officers." 

8th. " Many tents in the regiment have been stockaded. 
We have finished ours with the exception of the Captain's which 

* Hayward. 



92 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

will be done to-morrow, probably. They are much more roomy 
and comfortable, and we are enabled to have bunks erected 
which are better than the ground to lie upon." 

A team sent by Lieutenant Wheeler, was of great aid in haul- 
ing the stakes used for the stockades. " The company is now 
in good spirits and contented. Our new commander, Captain 
Woodbury, is a great favorite, and there is not a better officer 
in the regiment." * 

July 2. Orders arrived to-day for the regiment to proceed 
to Little Washington, but at New Berne, en route for our desti- 
nation, they were countermanded, and we went into barracks 
on the fairground, formerly occupied by the 24th Mass. Vol- 
unteers. 

In the early part of the month our time was occupied with 
the various drills and in fatigue, much of the latter duty being 
with pick and spade upon the fortifications. 

13th. Reveille sounded earlier than usual, and we pro- 
ceeded by rail to Newport barracks where we took the road for 
Cedar Point at 10 A. M. The day was very hot and some of the 
men fell out, but the temperature soon after starting was modified 
by a smart shower which wet us to the skin. We bivouacked 
that night at Saunders' plantation, about twelve miles out. 

The bridge over Broad Creek was broken down, and Browne 
on the pioneer corps remembers repairing that and several 
other bridges on the route. 

14th. At 5 A. M. the column was again in motion, and at 
8 A. M. we arrived at Cedar Point, opposite Swansboro. Here 
the command encamped, we of the 23d being sent back some 
two miles to a cross road where we bivouacked for the night. 

15th. One member of F,t on duty at headquarters, reports 
that a platoon of the 9th New Jersey, under Captain Harris, 
was sent up White Oak River in two boats to find, if possible, 

* Tilton. t Valentine. 




I m 



CAMPS AND TRAMPS IN NORTH CAROLINA. 93 

a fording place for cavalry. He was sent with this party to 
make a sketch map of the river and soundings. They pro- 
ceeded as far as Hadnot's Creek, a squad of rebel cavalry 
keeping abreast of them on the river bank, evidently intending 
to resist a landing if any should be attempted. No fording 
place was found. 

i6th. Left camp at 5 A. m. and reached Newport Barracks 
an hour before dinner, making the twenty miles "at a rattling 
pace." * 

" I well remember that march. It rained in torrents after 
nine o'clock. We had quite a feast of blackberries, which we 
found in great profusion along the road." f 

25th. Left camp at 4 o'clock A. m. and at half past five 
pushed off from the wharf in New Berne, sailing rapidly down 
the Neuse. The force was made up of five regiments of in- 
fantry and Belger's battery, all under the command of Brig.- 
Gen. C. A. Heckman, whose headquarters were on the " Con- 
voy." Company F was aboard the " Utica," and the fleet was 
accompanied by the " Commodore Perry," "Valley City," and 
one other gunboat. 

About 10.30 P. m. we dropped anchor off the mouth of the 
Chowan, and on the next day steamed up the river, arriving at 
the wharf in Winton about 4 P. M. The troops landed imme- 
diately and pushed out into the country, having a slight brush 
with the enemy at a bridge over the creek, a short distance 
from town. 

Winton is located on a bluff on the southerly bank of the 
river and was a flourishing place before the war. We remained 
here during the next three days, doing guard duty, with 
abundant opportunities for foraging, and the new potatoes, 
beets, and fresh veal are especially commended by one writer f 
who adds, " We did not stop to inquire the age of the calves." 

* 23d History. f Crocker. J Trowt. 



94 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

About 10 p. M. of the thirtieth, five companies of the 23d, 
Company F among them, went on board the "Escort" (the 
steamer in which General Foster ran the blockade at Little 
Washington), and 8 P. M. of the thirty-first found us at our 
starting place at Craven Street Dock, New Berne. The fruits 
of the expedition consisted of sixty-six prisoners, forty-nine 
bales of cotton, and one hundred and forty-two horses and mules. 

August 3. Pursuant to the following order a detail from the 
regiment was ordered to Massachusetts after conscripts : — 

Headquarters i8th Army Corps, 
5. o. No. 219, ^^- New Berne, N. C, Aug. 3, 1863. 

In accordance with orders from War Dept. of date July 3, 1863, the following- 
named officers and enlisted men of the 23d Mass. Vols, will at once proceed to 
Springfield, Mass., and report to the commanding officer of that rendezvous to 
receive and conduct to their regiment such drafted men as may be delivered to them,, 
viz. — 

First Lieut. Charles H. Hay ward, Company F. 

The quartermaster's department will furnish transportation. 

By command of Brig.-Gen. L N. Palmer. 

(Signed) J. A. JUDSON, A. A. G. 

Headquarters Forces and Defences of New Berne, 
Aug. 3, 1863. Official. 

(Signed) W. H. Abel, A. A. G. 

" When we arrived at New York the order to Springfield was 
countermanded, and Boston as our destination was substituted." 

" Upon reporting in Boston we were assigned to quarters in 
tents on Long Island. For a time there was nothing to do, and 
the enforced idleness was very irksome, but as recruits began to 
arrive the work of clothing, organizing, and drilHng fully occu- 
pied our time. As soon as ready the men were forwarded in 
detafchments of from two hundred to four hundred, guarded 
by a strong force of old soldiers. This duty was exceedingly 
arduous, by reason of the character of the recruits. Nearly all 
were bounty jumpers of the most objectionable type." * 

* Hayward. 



CAMPS AND TRAMPS IN NORTH CAROLINA. 95 

1 0th. Received straw hats, presented by Gilmore's Band, 
the proceeds of a concert in our behalf. 

15th. G.Warren Dudley and Henry Lufkin of F received 
discharge papers to-day. 

19th. Woodbury was to-day detailed in the Medical Pur- 
veyor's department. 

Sunday, 30th. " Witnessed the immersion of sixty-four ne- 
groes in the river at New Berne." f 

September 20. Trowt and Valentine, off on a pass for a few 
hours, walked out to Fort Stevenson, on the Neuse River. 
Some additions were made to the sketch book. 

October 11. One hundred men of the 23d were detailed to 
report to Col. S. H. Mix, 3d N. Y. Cavalry. Andrew Dodge, 
and perhaps others of F, were of this party. They went to 
Edenton to raid some " bushwhackers," and did not reach the 
regiment again until Oct. 20, when they rejoined us at Newport 
News. 

t Trowt. 



96 CO. F, 23D MASS, VOLS. 



CHAPTER X. 



TO VIRGINIA. 



October 16. In heavy marching order the regiment left 
New Berne at 9 A. M,, and proceeding by rail to Morehead 
City embarked on the steamer " Maple Leaf" about eight o'clock 
that evening. Left the wharf the next forenoon, and twenty- 
seven hours' sail took us to Fortress Monroe, where we waited 
long enough for the Colonel to report our arrival. One mem- 
ber of F * has a pleasant recollection of favors received, during 
the trip, from the captain of the steamer, who was an old 
friend. 

Steamed up to Newport News in the afternoon and landed 
early on the morning of the nineteenth, going into camp about 
half a mile from the pier. 

Our camp was located on a high bluff overlooking the scene 
of the " Merrimack's " raid in March, 1 862. A short distance off 
shore the wreck of the " Cumberland " was visible, a constant re- 
minder of the terrors of that dread day and the service rendered 
by the gallant little " Monitor." 

Here shelter tents were issued to us for the first time, although 
we had been in service for two years. They imparted the 
sensation of being in reduced circumstances, for we had always 
been accustomed to more commodious quarters when we had 
any at all. 

While the men of the left flank were only fairly well sheltered, 
those of the right could not keep both head and feet indoors. 

* Tilton. 




J. /LBE»r MANNING. 



TO VIRGINIA. 97 

Yet they " learned to appreciate them somewhat later in their 
experience." 

Excellent springs near the foot of the blufif from which the 
water flowed into the river furnished a never-failing supply for 
drinking and other purposes. 

About two weeks after our arrival, we received A tents, which, 
by stockading and flooring, the men proceeded to make habit- 
able for winter. In the tent in which Bunker, Brown, Burch- 
stead, and occasionally Ellison, spent the winter of 1863-4, two 
double bunks were built. Forked stakes, one at each corner, 
were driven into the ground, upon which rested poles, forming 
the frame. Laid upon these, with the concave side up, were 
barrel staves, which, covered with blankets, made a very accept- 
able bed. 

For heating, a hole about two feet deep was dug in the centre, 
and a cast-off" camp kettle, with the bottom knocked out, was 
inserted. A flue, made of old stove-pipe, ran under the floor to 
the outside, where the upturned section was steadied with bricks. 
*' It worked to a charm, making our tent very comfortable." * 

These ends of stove-pipes, standing out of the ground, were 
often a great temptation to mischievous neighbors, for a board, 
slyly placed across the opening, would drive the smoke back 
into the tent, and the occupants hastily into the open air. 

Comfortable as we made ourselves, we yet lacked many of 
the conveniencies of former camps, and one writer f voices a 
common thought, when he says, referring to the unusual fact 
that we were without an oven, " it don't seem like Sunday; no 
inspection, and no baked beans." 

Doubtless the one would have been willingly endured had 
there been a plentiful supply of the other for the Sunday 
dinner. 

These were quiet days, filled with ordinary duties of the camp, 

* Browne. f Trowt. 



98 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

the customary drills, and occasionally a review by way of an 
extra polish. 

Many of the men who had been furloughed while we were in 
North Carolina now returned to duty, and others were sent 
away, happy at the prospect of a few days with their friends at 
home. Among the former was Sargent, and of the latter were 
Martin and Wallis. 

While we were at Newport News efforts were put forth to secure 
the re-enlistment of the men, and the necessary papers were dis- 
tributed through all the regiments. Great efforts were made 
by our officers to induce re-enlistment, and the promised fur- 
loughs were alluring to many, but " few were captured in Com- 
pany F." * 

29th. Frank S. Dodge and John Dudley returned from fur- 
lough. At tattoo. Captain Woodbury was presented with sword, 
sash, and belt by the members of the Company as a token of 
their esteem, the Orderly making the presentation speech. Lieut. 
Geo. V. Barrett also was the recipient of a gift from the N. C. O. 

Valentine, just returned from furlough, visited camp to-night 
in company with Stowell of K, and took supper with Tilton, the 
menu furnishing sausages, hardtack, and tea. 

" The Sergeant of the guard passed us out of camp after sun- 
set. It was quite dark but bright starlight as we walked slowly 
back to brigade headquarters. We passed one house from 
which a bright light streamed out into the darkness. The sound 
of voices and the rhythmic tread of many feet made us curious 
to see what was going on, and we crept cautiously up to the 
window. The large room was full of negroes of both sexes and 
all ages enjoying a ' walk around ' to a very monotonous, oft- 
repeated strain, the words of which we could not catch. As 
we kept on, we noted the groups of cavalrymen clustered about 
their fires down on the shore, while here and there the white 

* Browne. 




HENRY MARTIN. 



TO VIRGINIA. 99 

tents gleamed in the firelight. Some distance up the river lay the 
' Commodore Barney,' black and motionless. To the left, 
toward the Fort, we could see the lights of the frigate ' Minne- 
sota ' and the three-turreted ironclad, ' Roanoke.' Back of us at 
a little distance from the river were the lighted camps of Heck- 
man's brigade. Just as we reached headquarters the drums of 
the several regiments began to beat tattoo, and far off on our 
right rang out the bugles of the 3d New York cavalry." 

December 25, Christmas Day. The usual drills were sus- 
pended and the day given over to sports, into which all heartily 
entered. There were foot-races, sack-races, throwing the ham- 
mer, etc. Target shooting held quite a prominent place on 
the list, the men competing for the silver medal offered by 
the General commanding the brigade to the best marksman in 
the regiment. Company F went down to the shore and each 
man was allowed three shots at the target, Andrew Dodge 
securing the best score. 

The event of the day was a mock dress parade, the boys 
turning their coats inside out so that the line looked utterly 
disreputable. The military features, however, the formation on 
the colors, the alignment, the manual of arms, etc., were per- 
formed with the usual degree of excellence. The pompous 
manner in which the Acting Colonel and Adjutant performed 
their parts, revealing a lively sense of their own importance, 
could hardly be exceeded even by their originals. 

The freedom of the occasion gave ample play to the imi- 
tative faculties of those who impersonated the officers, and we 
may be sure no opportunity in that way was neglected. The 
parade ground was thronged with spectators all day, and lights 
ad libitum were permitted after taps. 

27th. Orders read upon dress parade to-night were of much 
interest to all who joined the Company in the summer of 1862. 
They were to the effect that recruits "will be discharged at 
the time of the muster-out of the regiment." 

tifd 



lOO CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

January i, 1864. The ten men, who by trial at the target on 
Christmas day secured the best score in their respective com- 
panies, went back from the river near the woods, and again 
fired three rounds each. Dodge once more proved his superior 
marksmanship, and was declared the winner of the prize. 

13th. The medal was presented to Andrew Dodge at dress 
parade this afternoon, in accordance with the following order : — 

Headquarters Heckman's Brigade, 

Newport News, Va., Jan. 13, 1864. 
Colonel, — You are directed to present this reward of merit at dress parade to 
Private Andrew Dodge of Company F of your regiment, for his skill as a marksman, 
■and as a token of esteem from his brigade commander. . . . 

By command of Brig.-Gen. C. A. Heckman. 

(Signed) W. H. Abel, A. A. G. 

The re-enlisted men of the 23d left to-day on furlough, receiv- 
ing the compliment of a speech from General Heckman on their 
way to the wharf, where they took passage on the steamer 
^'Ashland." 

22d. We broke camp and went on board the steamer 
■*' Escort" at nine o'clock P. M., Company F finding cold sleeping 
quarters on the upper deck. Next morning early we left for 
Portsmouth, and about eight o'clock landed on the dock, taking 
cars, after the usual delay, for Getty's Station, some three or 
four miles distant. 

We found the ground upon which we were to encamp, a 
heap of ashes. Our predecessors, the men of the i6th Conn., 
feeling aggrieved that they should be compelled to relinquish 
their camp (upon which, letters of the time stated, they had laid 
out between two and three thousand dollars), determined that 
their loss should not be a gain to " Heckman's pet troops," and 
fired the camp in several places. 

But we could build as well as they and spend a great deal less, 
and the result was one of the best camps we ever had, felici- 
tously named Camp Phoenix. 



TO VIRGINIA, lOI 

Some little time was given to stockading and putting things 
in order, and then the routine of the camp and the ever present 
drills asserted themselves. The weather was cold, much of the 
time, and it was no pleasant task to stand on guard at the 
entrance to the fortifications with the mercury at 30°, descend- 
ing to 15° in the small hours of the morning. This sort of duty, 
in alternation with other regiments, we performed until early 
in March. 

February 10. An order from General Butler's headquarters 
transferred George S. Mansfield, Charles C. Morse, George E. 
Osgood, and John Waldron to the Veteran Reserve Corps. 

26th. David Carlton and Philip J. Snapp arrived to-day from 
their re-enlistment furlough, and Oliver H. Saunders, discharged 
in March, 1863, on account of disability from wound received at 
Whitehall, reported, having re-enlisted in the company. 

March 4. We took cars for the vicinity of Suffolk, where we 
relieved the pickets, being quartered in the barracks of the 20th 
New York Cavalry. 

7th. We returned to camp at Getty's, remaining until March 
9, when we received orders to move to Bowers Hill, as the rebels 
had driven in our outposts. We advanced up the railroad until 
we came in sight of the rebel pickets near Magnolia Springs, 
and they fell back before us. On the tenth we continued to 
advance, the enemy still retiring, although present in some force. 
We formed line of battle across the county road at the railroad 
crossing, and shortly after fell back to a position on the Sleepy 
Hollow road. During this last movement a ration of hardtack 
was issued to us, the first we had received since noon the day 
before. 

A letter of the time, its writer being on picket near David's 
Mill, says, " We have a very pleasant post off the county road, 
with few to trouble us. There are eight in our squad, all but 
one from F, and we manage to have a pretty jolly time." 

Trips to a near-by house, " where a certain young lady 



I02 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

dwells," are mentioned, but the writer adds, rather cynically, 
*' No great danger of being charmed, for she 's thoroughly 
secesh in her views, and chews snuff." * 

1 2th. The rebels retired beyond Suffolk, and we returned to 
camp at Getty's Station. The next month proved a quiet one, 
" a few orders to march, with one hundred rounds, counter- 
manded within the hour, did us no harm but rather added a 
little ' spice ' to our otherwise uneventful life." f 

Another diarist records occasional visits to the theatre at 
Norfolk, " plenty of oysters and very little duty." On the tent 
of this writer | were painted a hive and three bees, Browne, 
Burchstead, and Bunker being the happy family which dwelt 
therein. 

Short drills in the manual at early roll-call and at tattoo, 
ordered from regimental headquarters, made somewhat of a stir 
for the time being. Our level-headed Captain practically 
ignored the order. 

The little log theatre at Getty's, built by " a New York 
Artillery regiment," was frequently filled with good audiences, 
drawn thither to witness plays performed by histrionic talent 
gathered from the various regiments of the division. Thornton 
of F played leading parts in drama, and a soldier from a Rhode 
Island regiment did the same for comedy, while Corporal 
Phippen assumed female parts. Once they had a joint benefit 
and were honored with a " splendid house which paid well." 
" Luke the Laborer " and " Poynet Arden " were among the 
attractions, and " Don Cesar de Bazan " was in course of prep- 
aration when the rehearsals were cut short by marching orders. 

Wednesday, April 13. We embarked on the "John D. 
Pentz " at Portsmouth and proceeded up James River for about 
eighteen miles, landing nine miles above Fort Boykin at four 
o'clock A. M. on the fourteenth. 

* Tilton. t Crocker. J Browne. 




ALEXANDER MONROE. 



TO VIRGINIA. 103 

Took the road toward Smithfield, and some three miles out 
our sku-mishers struck the enemy who seemed to be in small 
force and retired until, in the vicinity of Wrenn's Mill, he made 
a stand at the further side of the stream and pond. 

Company F, deployed as skirmishers, was upon the left flank 
of the regiment and on the left of the road next the river. 
Here we were somewhat quiescent, simply guarding against 
any flank movement on the part of the enemy, who was giving 
our boys much trouble in front. 

Past our company front, along the slope toward the woods, 
ran a foot path down which Crocker strolled a short distance. 
He had hardly returned to his place when a shout, " We 're 
flanked," called attention to a rebel standing in the pathway 
taking deliberate aim at Fischer who had laid ofl" his accoutre- 
ments and was wholly defenceless. The intrepid " Johnny " had 
•crossed the stream and " gone gunning "on his own account. 

Crocker, Snapp, and others taking in the situation raised their 
rifles and fired at the man who hastily disappeared among the 
trees. It was said that a horse was found in the woods shortly 
after, with marks ojl blood upon the saddle as if some one 
physically unable, by reason of wounds, had tried to mount the 
animal. 

The fighting continued off to our right, " although we were 
not in it," many stray shots, however, coming our way. We 
soon commenced to move up the river road, carrying our 
wounded and followed closely by the rebels, F still maintaining 
its position on the flank next the river until we reached Fort 
Boykin. Here the regiment recaptured a piece of artillery 
which belonged to one of the gunboats. During the rest of the 
day our pickets were much harassed by the rebels, and after 
dark we re-embarked and returned to Portsmouth, thence to 
camp. 

" Company F's loss in this scout was one man missing, — E. C. 
Thomas. Colonel Elwell directed Quartermaster Peirce to 



104 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

secure transportation for the wounded, and, in compliance there- 
with, he took two men, one being Thomas, and went back 
toward the river. 

" We could find nothing in the way of animals or wagons. 
We finally went to the river bank and signalled the gunboats. 
One sent a small boat ashore. The commander and eight men 
came in it. When I saw them coming, I sent Thomas to notify 
Colonel Elwell to send down the wounded. ... I afterwards 
learned that Thomas was wounded and captured after he went 
over the hill, and that he died in Libby Prison." * 

* Quartermaster Peirce in 23ci History. 

Note. — E. C. Thomas died Aug. 30, 1864, in Andersonville, and is buried in the 
National Cemetery there ; grave No. 7,250. 




WM. H. H. PRIME. 



Getty's station to drury's bluff. 105 



CHAPTER XI. 

GETTY'S station TO DRURY'S BLUFF. 

April 22d. Orders received to-day to have " all baggage 
-cut down to fighting weight." 

26th. Gen. C. A. Heckman, who had been in command of 
all the troops at Getty's Station, to-day resumed conmiand 
of his old brigade, preferring that to the division which cur- 
rent report said had been offered him. The brigade consisted 
of the 9th N. J. Vols., and the 23d, 25th, and 27th Mass., and 
although other regiments were added for longer or shorter 
periods, according to the exigencies of the service, the regi- 
ments named above formed what was known as the ist (Red 
Star) Brigade, 2d Division of the i8th Army Corps. 

Pursuant to orders_,_we struck tents about 7 P. U., but it was 
nine o'clock before Company F in the left wing marched to the 
station at Getty's, thence by train proceeding to Portsmouth, 
where we disembarked about ten o'clock. 

Spreading our blankets on the sidewalks and overflowing into 
the adjacent enclosures, we slept until shortly after midnight 
when we boarded the steamer " George Weems," resuming our 
nap on the lower deck. We had slept but two or three hours 
when we were again aroused and ordered to the upper deck to 
make room for a portion of the 25th Mass. 

Leaving the wharf, we steamed out of the Elizabeth River, 
past the Ripraps and Fortress Monroe, and moved swiftly up 
the York, arriving at Yorktown about 5 P. M. where we found 
the right wing encamped upon the beach. 

Soon after landing, we received instructions to reserve a 



I06 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

change of clothing, as our knapsacks were to be sent back to 
Portsmouth. We saw them no more until the memorable sum- 
mer campaign of 1864 was ended. 

Shelter tents were again issued to us. Writes one, " I could 
not sleep well as I had retained only my overcoat and rubber 
blanket and the wind blew off the river very cold. About 
twelve o'clock, Swaney and I went over to a large pile of hay» 
and rolling out a bale, crawled into the cavity where we slept 
comfortably until morning." * 

About 7 A. M. on the twenty-eighth, the brigade moved out 
about two miles and bivouacked on the left of the road. On 
the twenty-ninth, at an early hour, we moved on some five 
miles in the direction of Williamsburg. As we proceeded, the 
country, at first rather flat and sandy, became rolling and more 
attractive in character, and, a new feature to us, the roads were 
doubled. Before noon the regiments of the brigade were 
grouped about the headquarters' camp which was located on a 
beautiful knoll. Orders were at once received for frequent 
drills ; skirmishing and firing in the forenoon and battalion or 
brigade drill each afternoon at four o'clock ; but at half past 
one orders came to report back to Yorktown at once. 

Before 3 P. M. the brigade had struck camp and covered (a 
large part of the way at double-quick) the seven miles of dusty 
highway over which we had so leisurely marched that morning 
and the previous afternoon. 

30th. This afternoon General Sutler reviewed the com- 
mand. We reached the review ground by a march of two miles 
which took us through a portion of the works about Yorktown. 
We returned to camp at sunset. 

Here we lay until the fourth of May. The weather was by 
turns pleasant and rainy, the second bringing a severe hail 
storm. 

* Trowt. 



Getty's station to drury's bluff. 107 

Clouds of intense blackness came up swiftly from the north- 
east. Puffs of wind churned up the dust and scattered chips 
and twigs in its path. The men about brigade headquarters 
could be seen driving down tent pins and tightening guys, 
while every one at liberty to do so hurried to shelter. 

Soon came rain mingled with hail ; lightning, vivid in the 
extreme, followed by heavy thunder, and for a while the scene 
was startling. In a short time, however, the storm passed over, 
although the clouds hung low and the evening was " pitch 
dark." 

It was a busy scene at the river on the 4th of May. Steam- 
ers and sailing vessels of the usual nondescript type, so familiar 
to us of the old Burnside Expedition, were awaiting their hu- 
man freight, and troops were embarking from Yorktown and 
Gloucester Point. Company F went on board the " Montauk," 
sailing at 2 P. M. down the York and round to Newport News, 
where a portion of the fleet was lying at anchor. On the 5th 
we were moving in stately procession up the James, directly 
toward the rebel capital. 

Heckman's brigade, following closely the gunboats and mon- 
itors, was in the advance. On either hand were high banks, 
finely wooded, save where bits of meadow land, sloping gently to 
the river's edge, broke the line of woods, and revealed charm- 
ing views of the country beyond. Noble mansions, oftentimes 
disfigured by uncomely out-buildings, gave diversity to the 
landscape, while here and there earthworks ran in yellow ridges 
among the trees and across the intervales, undeniable evidences 
of earlier warfare. 

At Windmill Point, a short distance beyond Fort Powhatan, 
a troop of colored cavalry and a colored battery were set ashore, 
and as we came to anchor at the confluence of the James and 
Appomattox, two of the leading monitors were clearing decks 
for action. 

We disembarked, the 23d being the first regiment to land, at 



I08 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

5.30 P. M., at Bermuda Hundred/across the Appomattox from 
City Point, and next morning early took the advance, proceed- 
ing slowly and cautiously toward Point of Rocks, halting about 
noon near a small one-story house, with log barn adjoining, 
while the other troops filed off to the right, and disappeared 
among the trees. 

A small army of officers, generals with the members of their 
staffs, were gathered in and about the house, " Smith and Heck- 
man being the only ones I knew." * 

Here, on a line running almost due north from Cobb's Hill, on 
the Appomattox, to the James River, the " Army of the James " 
established itself, and to our camp at Cobb's Hill we returned in 
the intervals of active service at the front during all the oper- 
ations of May. 

Much of our off time was occupied with pick and spade upon 
the breastworks which were laid out along the line mentioned, 
and which later in the campaign served a good purpose in the 
protection of our base against frequent and persistent attacks by 
the enemy. 

Late in the afternoon of the 6th, the brigade, in light march- 
ing order, and accompanied by two pieces of artillery, made a 
reconnoissance toward Petersburg, Just after crossing the 
Petersburg and Richmond Railroad, our skirmishers developed 
a force in our front strongly posted behind breastworks, which, 
in a general way, ran parallel with the railroad. 

General Heckman rapidly made his dispositions, sending the 
23d to the extreme left as a precaution against flanking. The 
conformation of the land was such as to afford the men of the 
right companies a fine view of the field, and the deployment of 
the rebel skirmishers in front of our advancing lines was watched 
with interest. 

The silence which had prevailed while the brigade was taking 

* Trowt. 




EDWARD B. PUTNAM. 



Getty's station to drury's bluff. 109 

position was broken by the discharge of a single musket, imme- 
diately followed by a volley from the entire rebel line, which 
seemed amply sufficient to wipe out our skirmish line. The 
movements of the other regiments of the brigade, upon whom 
the burden of the action rested, were viewed with admiration 
by our boys, quietly standing at rest in the shelter of the 
woods, and the "precision of the wing-firing of the 25th was 
splendid," * 

During the action General Heckman's horse was shot as he 
stood on the flank of one of the regiments in the front line. " I 
saw the animal settle beneath the General, who cleared himself 
from the saddle, and coolly awaited the spare horse brought up 
by his Orderly, when he mounted, and, with a wave of the hand 
toward the enemy, galloped away in safety." * 

A couple of files from the right of F (Crocker and Johnson 
among them) were directed by Lieutenant-Colonel Chambers to 
advance over the swell of land some yards in front of the line, 
to observe the enemy's movements. Johnson crept into the 
ruins of a log house toward which Crocker was making his way, 
when a warning gesture from the former caused him to look 
toward the rail fence some fifteen yards in advance. " The 
heads of a rebel line could be seen peering at us above the rails, 
and we quickly got out of sight." * 

" Orders not to risk bringing on a general engagement were 
peremptory," and at the "recall" we retired from the field, 
reaching camp at Cobb's Hill about 10 P. M. 

May 7. The brigade moved forward to yesterday's battle 
ground, the 23d reaching its former position about 12 M. The 
enemy seemed to have been re-enforced, as artillery unnoticed 
the previous day was certainly posted in our front to-day. 
About half past two o'clock a bugle call was heard away off 
on our extreme right. It was but the prelude to a crash of 

* Crocker. 



no CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

artillery and musketry which followed almost immediately. 
Brook's division struck the rebel left, and after about two hours' 
heavy firing, the rebels retired. We were ordered forward in 
line of battle to the rail fence some rods in advance. We 
remained in this position until about 7 P. M., when we returned 
to camp to find that the pioneers had torn down the house near 
camp and cut most of the timber, and the engineers had already 
laid out a fort upon the knoll. 

8th. A quiet day. Moved camp a short distance this morn- 
ing. The only excitement was caused by the appearance of a 
party of the enemy on the hill across the Appomattox. A 
section of the 3d New York battery planted near us soon scat- 
tered them. 

Just belore dark we received orders to fill canteens and put 
one day's rations into our haversacks. We expected to be 
shelled out during the night, but all was quiet, and we enjoyed 
a good rest. 

9th. We were aroused at daybreak, and immediately after 
breakfast moved out toward the front, leaving blankets and 
shelters behind. Notwithstanding the slow pace, the intense 
heat made the march very fatiguing. We passed over Friday's 
battle ground where lay our unburied dead, stripped and 
mutilated. The pioneers were at once set to work to bury the 
men where they fell. As we crossed the railroad we were 
pleased to see that quite a section had been destroyed. We 
halted for a time near a creek, and Sergeant Wallis and pri- 
vates Trowt and Andrew Dodge were detailed to guard some 
prisoners. 

Meanwhile, the brigade moved on, meeting the enemy, who 
fell back to Arrowfield Church and there made a stand. The 
23d was in the second line on the left of the road, supporting 
the 25th Mass. The musketry fire was rapid, and as we emerged 
from the woods the enemy fired a volley and charged our front 
line. The answering burst of musketry caused them to waver, 




BENJ. A. REED. 



Getty's station to drury's bluff. hi 

and the second line with fixed bayonets sprang forward, driving 
them back in confusion. 

As we came to the top of the ridge, after crossing Swift 
Creek, the enemy opened on us with artillery from the redoubt. 
Here we remained in line of battle until the forenoon of the 
tenth, under a sharp fire from the guns of the battery, and here 
the detail just mentioned, under Sergeant Wallis, joined us. 
We were now relieved by the 40th Mass. and went to the rear 
to cook rations, having been without for twenty-four hours. 

iith. While moving camp this morning half a dozen men 
of F were sent with others to the river to cut down trees and 
clear away the underbrush, that the guns of the battery on the 
hill overlooking the river might have an uninterrupted range. 

" Two gunboats ran up the Appomattox and shelled the 
enemy on the opposite shore. We returned to camp at dark, 
just in season to avoid a heavy shower, and after turning in 
were aroused about ten o'clock to make sure that our ammuni- 
tion was dry, receiving twenty additional rounds." * 

At an early hour on the twelfth, with two days' rations in 
haversacks, we left camp, being shortly drenched to the skin by 
a thunder shower, which lasted for about two hours. Upon 
reaching the turnpike we were ordered into line of battle in a 
thick growth of pines, facing in the direction of Petersburg, but 
after a tedious wait turned about and proceeded toward Rich- 
mond, our advance soon developing a body of Confederates 
whose artillery had a close range on the hill we occupied. We 
bivouacked in line of battle, some eleven miles, it was said, from 
the rebel capital, and without overcoats or blankets passed a 
dismal night. 

13th. Our line advanced slowly for half a mile, an artillery 
duel and heavy skirmish fire ensuing, lasting until dark. Late 
in the afternoon it was reported that Grant was driving Lee and 

* Trowt. 



112 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

had captured an entire army corps. The cheers which rent the 
air from the brigade must have startled the enemy within his 
entrenchments and lent fresh impulse to his vigilance. The 
night passed slowly, disturbed only by the constant fretfulness 
of the pickets. The ceaselessly falling rain saturated our 
clothing and but for extreme exhaustion none would have slept. 
A squad of F's men was sheltered by an improvised shanty of 
boards, which by some means had been secured. 

14th. We again pushed forward, crossing the road which 
ran parallel with and just in front of our line. The brunt of the 
advance since moving out on the twelfth had fallen upon a 
strong body of skirmishers, which, followed closely by our line 
of battle, had pressed back the enemy step by step in spite of 
his determined resistance, until this morning he retired within 
the outworks of Fort Darling at Drury's Bluff. We came to a 
halt just in the edge of the woods, somewhat protected by a rise 
of ground. The rebel skirmishers were in full view, and from 
Fort Stevens floated defiantly the " Stars and Bars." 

All day the skirmishers kept up a lively fusilade and our 
sharpshooters, posted at advantageous points, prevented, in great 
measure, the rebel artillerists from working their guns. 

The night was comparatively a quiet one, and we were 
aroused but once. 

Sunday, 15th. With the coming dawn began the usual 
firing between the skirmish lines. During the forenoon, parties 
were set to work gathering together the logs which lay scat- 
tered about near the line and with them a breastwork was built 
which furnished a slight defence against the troublesome min- 
ies, whose vicious " zip " was ever in our ears. 

Here under this crude shelter * we lay until 7 P. M. " when we 

*At such a time works like these must seem crude and unsatisfactory to those who 
lay behind them, but a writer who visited the ground some years after the war 
speaks of these hastily constructed works as " still standing, attesting their excellence- 
and completeness." 



Getty's station to drury s bluff. 113 

were relieved by the 98th New York, and ordered further to the 
right, where, with no time before the darkness came on to learn 
the nature of the ground in our front, we were without any pro- 
tection whatever. 

" In front of the 23d the woods, a growth of small hard pine 
and shrub oak, extended a few yards and then the open ground 
gradually rose to the works of Drury's Bluff, a sort of natural 
glacis. A little-used wood road followed in a general way the 
line of the brigade. It cut the line of the 23d and afforded for 
some of the companies some protection to men lying in the 
road bed and firing over the bank. Water, perhaps the accu- 
mulation of three days' rain, filled the hollow between the 23d 
and 9th New Jersey. A road called the stage road, running 
more or less parallel to the turnpike from Petersburg to Rich- 
mond, was between the 23d and 9th."* 

The latter regiment held the extreme right of the line, be- 
yond which was a stretch of open country running to the river, 
perhaps a mile distant. The 23d's right company, G, rested 
near the hollow^ before mentioned, while F, with fourteen men 
all told, under Captain Woodbury was the second in line. 

The men now proceeded to throw up what meagre defences 
they could in the darkness, albeit they were without proper im- 
plements, and some tried to improve their sleeping accommo- 
dations. Sergt. David Carleton and Crocker constructed a 
shelter for themselves out of an old barn door, which furnished 
fairly good protection from the rain. 

In spite of adverse conditions, — the cold, the dampness, the 
disturbance along the picket line and the anxiety of all who 
knew the situation, — those to whom sleep was permissible, now 
sought their rest, the only condition favorable thereto being ex- 
cessive weariness. 

" I had lain down for a chance to sleep about eleven o'clock, 

* 23d History. 



I 14 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS, 

when a volley of musketry came pouring in upon us. In the 
space of three minutes we were in line of battle ready for the 
attack." * 

But this was only the prelude to the storm. For some time 
yet, comparative quiet reigned. 

About 2 A. M. a squad of men was set to work strengthening 
the slight breastwork in our immediate front, Andrew Dodge, 
Trowt, and perhaps others of F being detailed for this work. 
Tilton, on the color-guard, also speaks of working upon the frail 
line, using dipper and bayonet in lieu of entrenching tools. 

As the night began to wear away the firing of the pickets 
increased in rapidity. The fatigue party just mentioned had 
hardly turned in after an hour's labor when " there came a rush 
of shots, a volley, and the battle was upon us." 

Leaving everything where they slept but musket and cartridge 
box, the men sprang to their places. 

" The pickets came hastily back to the main line, yet for a 
time we hesitated to fire, fearing they were not all in." f 

The dense fog which seemed to wall us in made it impossible 
for anything to be seen a few yards away. The men vigorously 
replied to the shower of bullets, standing or kneeling as they 
could make their fire effective and secure cover. Owing to the 
fog and the darkness, nothing could be seen save the flame from 
the muzzles of the guns whose rapid yet intermittent reports 
now developed into a continuous and deafening roar, while the 
ringing monotone of the rebel yell, sounding above the din, made 
a veritable pandemonium. 

For a period variously estimated, probably not far from two 
hours, yet long enough for many to fire their sixty rounds, the 
brigade, " without sign of panic or wavering," held the enemy at 
bay. 

Several speak of seeing Colonel Chambers passing along in 

* Tilton. t Trowt. 




STEPHEN C. ROSE. 



Getty's station to drury's bluff. 115 

rear of the line with his hands upon the pit of his stomach, 
seemingly in great pain. The men continued to fire in the 
direction from which the enemy's bullets came, " receiving no 
intimation that anything was wrong " until they found the gray- 
backs coming up in their rear from the right of the line. In the 
midst of the tumult came the order to fix bayonets. Every man 
was on his feet in an instant. 

" I heard Captain Raymond say, ' Fall back.' I kept close by 
Sergeant Wallis, who carried our national colors, and we made 
■our way to the rear under a terrific fire. In passing through the 
woods we became separated, and when I struck the road I found 
myself in company with Daniels. We met the 1 12th New York 
marchins down the road to re-enforce us. Within three minutes 
the ii2th received a volley, and the brave Colonel, mortally 
wounded, passed us clinging to his horse." * 

Crocker, moving toward the right rear, found himself con- 
fronting the rebel column, and was ordered to their rear as a 
prisoner. 

" Instead of obeying, I jumped quickly back toward the line 
of the regiment (2^), hurried on by shouts of 'Shoot the 

d d Yankee.' The regiment had already fallen back, and 

as I pushed on, I dodged under the barn door, seizing my 
haversack and canteen. My cap was knocked from my head, 
but the enemy was too near for me to stop and recover it. A 
short distance further on I came upon Lieutenant Wheeler, 
endeavoring to rally some men. Almost immediately he was 
wounded and was carried to the rear in a blanket. Just beyond 
this point I came across a negro, some officer's servant, terribly 
frightened and seeking a place of safety. I borrowed his cap, 
remarking that his skull could get along better than mine with- 
out a covering." 

Near the spot where we bivouacked on the night of the thir- 

*Tilton. 



Il6 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

teenth, Captain Raymond formed what was left of the regiment. 
Wallis, with the national colors, was there, but the State flag was 
missing. Several batteries were placed in position near us, and 
stationed in support of one of them we awaited the course of 
events, soon having the satisfaction of witnessing a stay in the 
progress of the victorious enemy. 

A detachment of the 23d was ordered by General Smith to 
occupy a house off on the right, to keep out rebel sharpshooters. 
In response to Captain Raymond's inquiry, " There are not 
many of us, shall I not take the whole regiment?" the General 
replied: " A company of such men is good enough." 

That night we returned to our old camp, from which we had 
confidently marched forth five days before, and the whole army 
retired within the entrenchments at Bermuda Hundred. 

It was a sad roll-call that evening. Of the fourteen men F 
had in line, seven were missing : Sergt. David Carlton, Corp. 
Silas Winchester, Privates Chas. Dudley, E. P. Grosvenor, G. 
O. Hinckley, Wm. H. Swaney, and Alvah Tibbetts. 

Swaney was wounded, and died eight days later in Richmond. 
Grosvenor, Hinckley, and Tibbetts died at Andersonville, Ga., 
and Winchester at Florence, S. C. Carlton " met a sad fate. 
His indefatigable unselfishness kept him, as long as reason 
lasted, among the cheeriest and most useful to his fellow 
prisoners. After a time, his privations induced the dementia, so 
common in the inhuman prison-pens. In this condition he 
wandered too near ' the dead line ' and was inurdered by his 
guards." * 

Dudley was paroled. 

One member of F, looking back through the long vista of 
thirty years, remembering the little differences (fun he thought 
them then), that sometimes existed between himself and 
Swaney, writes : — 

* 23d History. 



! 




WM. H. SWANEY 



EBEN N. JOHNSON. 



F'S PRISON-QUOTA. 



Getty's station to drury's bluff. 117 

" But when I saw him lying on the field at Drury's Bluff, 
knowing his fate and the utter impracticability of even attempting 
to carry him off, there was no fun in that. When I saw 
Lieutenant Wheeler of the brigade staff — ' Our Dick,' — shot 
•down while trying to rally the boys of the Star Brigade, and 
Trowt and I helped put him in a shelter and carry him to an 
ambulance, there was no fun in that, and I felt that war was a 
more serious business than I had realized." * 

" Lieut. R. P. Wheeler died in Chesapeake Hospital at Fort 
Monroe, Va., June 2, 1864, of a wound received in the attack 
by General Beauregard upon General Butler's lines on the 
sixteenth of May, 1864. He enlisted in the 23d as First 
Sergeant of Company F, Captain Whipple. Colonel Kurtz 
pronounced him the best Orderly in the brigade. Colonel 
Chambers spoke of him in the highest terms. For something 
over a year and a half he served upon the staff of Brig. Gen. 
C. A. Heckman, most of the time as A. D. C. He was 
thoroughly honorable, generous, and loyal ; one who had the 
regard of all, officers and men. His life was beyond reproach." f 

For most of the time until the twenty-seventh of May we were 
engaged in strengthening the breastworks in our immediate 
front, the enemy making frequent but unsuccessful assaults 
along the whole line. 

* Putnam. f Paper of the time. 

Note. — In response to a question by the author, in 1895, Gen. C. A. Heckman, 
upon whose staff Lieutenant Wheeler was serving at the time of his death, wrote as 
follows : — 

" His sterling qualities secured him the love and respect of all with whom he came 
in contact. He was faithful and eminently efficient in the performance of his duties. 
I had the fullest confidence in him as an officer, and became greatly attached to him 
personally. I was told that he had declined an offer of promotion which would have 
necessitated his severance from the staff of the Red Star brigade, and you will 
remember that he (greatly to our satisfaction) remained with us until his transfer to 
the great army beyond, leaving a record unsullied by a single unworthy act. His 
gentle nature would have asked no fairer tribute to his virtues than the unfeigned 
sorrow of all who were left to mourn him." 



Il8 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 



CHAPTER XII. 

COLD HARBOR. 

May 28th, at 6.30 p. M., we moved out on the road leading 
from Cobb's Hill to Bermuda Hundred, turning off to the Appo- 
mattox, near Point of Rocks. After a short delay, we crossed 
the bridge, a guard with a lantern standing at each pontoon. 

Turning sharply to the left as we reached the other shore, we 
followed the road along the right bank of the river. One writer 
notes that we passed a church, the walls of which were covered 
with charcoal drawings of considerable merit, the artist being a 
colored soldier of Hinks' division which had been stationed 
there. The evening seemed exceptionally dark, and we trudged 
along, now tramping swiftly over a good hard road, then stum- 
bling over a miserable corduroy ; now wading a small creek, 
again plunging through a thick stratum of mud. 

At a late hour we bivouacked near the James, at City Point. 
Sunday, 29th, about six o'clock, we went on board the " Mon- 
tauk," and while we waited in the stream for sailing orders, our 
new Chaplain, Rev. Lewis L. Record, preached a good discourse, 
his subject being " Loyalty to the Union and to God." 

Just about dark we steamed away down the river, anchoring 
off Newport News until the next morning, when we moved on up 
the York, passing our old camping-ground at Yorktown about 
2 P. M. 

At West Point we left the York for the narrower Pamunkey, 
w^hose sinuosity surpassed anything we had ever seen in the way 
of rivers, and that we had had some experience in river naviga- 
tion we felt convinced. The banks here were quite high, and on 



COLD HARBOR. IIQ 

one of the bluffs stood a collection of negro huts. From the 
window of one of them two black hands were thrust, waving a 
white cloth. 

We ran aground in the afternoon, and were unable to get 
clear until about eight o'clock next morning (31st), when, taking 
in tow again the schooner which had anchored near us at the 
time we grounded, we steamed along up the river, reaching 
White House at 12 M. 

Rations were drawn, and many improved the few hours of 
rest by making coffee and cooking, while others refreshed them- 
selves in the cool waters of the river. 



Among the many obscure hamlets to which the Civil War 
gave a national, if not a universal, reputation, was Cold Harbor, 
whose name, a relic of the " land across the sea," years before 
excited the interest of the philologist, then as now curious as to 
the derivation of words. 

To the general reader of history, who wonderingly peruses the 
story, and notes the comments of the actors in the conflict, it 
appears to have been sanguinary in the extreme, utterly waste- 
ful of human life, and wholly fruitless of good in its results. 

Of it. General Grant said : " Cold Harbor is the only battle I 
ever fought that I would not fight over again under the circum- 
stances," and the rebel general Law, as he stood behind his 
lines that day and watched the Star Brigade in its gallant but 
ineffectual charge 

" Into the jaws of death," 

noted the melting away of those serried columns, and long after- 
ward declared " it was not war, it was murder." Those who 
participated in the Cold Harbor campaign look back to it as 
upon a picture whose gloomy shadows are unrelieved by a single 
gleam of light. They have vivid recollections which the passing 



120 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS, 

years fail to dim, of the hot and dusty march, the advance into 
the seething, pitiless storm of missiles, and the backward move- 
ment of the assaulting column as with decimated ranks it retired 
to the shelter of the rifle pits. 

And then the following days of anxious vigil, when the works 
erected mainly by aid of bayonet and plate, were so near those 
of the enemy that the slightest exposure of person brought 
death or mutilation, while with terrible directness the wind bore 
to their unwilling senses the effluvia from the decomposing 
bodies of the slain, blackened beyond recognition, lying where 
they fell under the blistering heat of a southern sun. 

To those dread days of hardship and suff'ering the men of 
Company F, with their fellows, marched bravely forth from 
White House on the thirty-first of May. 

At 3 P. M. that day the brigade moved out about two miles 
along the Richmond & York River Railroad, and then took 
the road running northwesterly in the direction of Newcastle. 
It was excessively hot, one of the diarists characterizing that 
march as "the hottest we ever made " ; but says the Orderly,* 
" there was no falling out, and every man was in his place when 
we went into camp that night." 

A short halt about 7 P. M. gave scant time for rations, and 
one of the boys at brigade headquarters then learned from a 
member of the staff" that our march would probably be prolonged 
until one o'clock. As a matter of fact we bivouacked about 
eleven, thankful enough for the rest so tardily accorded us. 

June I. We were on the move at 7 A. M., and after march- 
ing two hours halted, it being whispered that we were on the 
wrong road. We had heard artillery far away to our left all the 
morning, and as we trudged along on the back track for a short 
distance, and then by a road leading directly south, the firing 

* Daniels. 




BROWN E, SHAW. 



COLD HARBOR. 121 

became more distinct. We waited at the cross roads for a por- 
tion of the 6th Corps to pass, and then followed on at a rapid 
pace, coming to a halt about 3 P. M. The choking clouds of 
dust superadded to the heat of that June day makes that march 
memorable in the minds of many of the comrades. 

There was no mistaking the sounds of war in front. " The 
6th Corps was already engaged and we were ordered in to their 
support. The firing along our lines was heavy and continuous 
until night set in. Company F was ordered out on picket. 
We could distinctly hear the enemy at work strengthening their 
line of works. We were relieved next morning by a detail from 
our own regiment." * 

Some five hundred prisoners went along down the road that 
morning, and in response to a remark by one of the Union 
soldiers, a "Johnny" replied "There's a right smart lot of us 
behind to fight you," adding, with a laugh, " It's a long road to 
Richmond yet." 

With us the second was comparatively a quiet day. One 
writer | remembers plucking strawberries that afternoon near 
the Kelley house, and" contrasts such peaceful occupation with 
the stormy scenes of the next morning. At 10 P. M. the 23d 
was ordered out to picket the Bethesda Road and protect the 
trains of the 5th Corps, then passing to a new position on the 
left. 

3d. We left the vicinity of Beulah Church, moving past 
the Cold Harbor House and along the road to the left for 
perhaps half a mile, then through the fields directly toward the 
front. The 23d was now formed in close column by division, 
six companies only being present. 

The other regiments of the brigade, in front, formed en masse 
by division, " were in full view, and when we marched in that 
morning I said to Wallis, ' We 're all right to-day, Dave, look 

* Tilton. t Browne. 



122 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

there ! there are men enough ahead of us to go through to the 
Gulf of Mexico.' " * At the order the brigade moved forward, 
the enemy opening from artillery and small arms a tremendous 
fire, to which the command was exposed every instant during 
the advance. 

"F, on the right of the 2d division, was commanded by Capt. 
H. P. Woodbury, who, indeed, led the division from the time 
when at the order ' Forward ' we clambered over our works and 
moved steadily up the gradual slope, under that terrible shower 
of shot and shell, until we came to a stand within a short 
distance of the enemy's works." 

So intense was the fire, " that the divisions in front seemed 
to melt away like snow falling on moist ground." 

As the 23d's colors, borne by Sergeant David Wallis of F, 
went over the works, lying in the line of the charge, a minie 
ball struck the staff, passed close by his neck on the right 
side, killing a Corporal of Company G in rear of him. The staff 
was knocked from his hand, and, as the mass of humanity came 
surging back he was forced, notwithstanding all his efforts to 
recover the flag, to the Union side of the breastwork. He 
afterward jumped over the work, secured the standard from 
under the bodies of the men who had fallen, and amid a shower 
of balls bore it safely to shelter. Two bullets went through his 
blouse and a piece of bunting about as large as one's hand was 
torn from the flag by a bursting shell. 

Any movement on the part of men lying amid that " wind- 
row" of dead and dying, marking the extreme point reached by 
the column which moved so bravely to the assault in the gray hght 
of the early morning, evoked a rain of bullets from the rebel 
riflemen, evidently watching the ghastly heap for those who 
dropped there, possibly unhurt, and whom they hoped to take 
prisoners of war. 

* Daniels. 



COLD HARBOR. 1 23 

Gen. Geo. J. Staniiard, commanding the brigade, in his official 
Teport, says : — 

"As soon as the intervening rifle-pit was cleared, and my command 
reached the edge of the ravine, it at once became evident, in view of the 
converging fire of musketry, and the direct fire of artillery, which was 
cutting down each successive division as it rose the knoll, that it would be 
impossible for a sufficient number of men to reach the works to produce any 
effect upon the enemy, and, as no concert of action on the part of other com- 
mands was apparent, I ordered the remnant of my command to retire to the 
rifie-pits, which they did in good order, holding the advanced line for more 
than two hours, when, having strengthened my second line with the 9th 
New Jersey Vols., which had opportunely arrived, I withdrew to that 
line." 

"We dropped close to the ground, and may have been two 
or three hours engaged, when I felt a sharp twinge in my left 
arm, the blood running freely down my hand. I realized that I 
had been ' winged ' by a rebel bullet, and that I could render 
no further service. I jumped back over the rifle-pit, and wended 
my way through the ravine. Such a sight, — all about me were 
men killed or sorely wounded. Reaching the place where we 
went in that morning, I found a hospital established on the 
knoll, but the surgeons were too busy to attend to me. Many 
of the poor fellows were beyond help, and their lives were 
slowly ebbing away. I found a surgeon still farther to the rear, 
who fixed me up, but my wound was not properly dressed until 
I reached White House Landing." * 

" I was wounded after, as I understood, the order ' down ' 
was given, and lay there long enough to take in the position of 
the rebel lines, which were not over twenty-five yards distant. 
In our immediate front was a battery of three guns, which kept 
up a rapid fire, and to which the contiguous works converged, 
they being lined with infantry which poured into us during the 
■charge a continuous shower of bullets." f 

* Tilton. t Crocker. 



124 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

A little experimenting satisfied Crocker that he could make 
some use of his wounded leg, and getting on his feet, with some 
effort, he made a bee-line down the slope, plunging into the 
swampy ground at the foot. 

"The firing was continuous, but now more like a drizzle after 
a heavy shower of rain. My overcoat had five shot-holes in it, 
but only one had drawn blood." 

Fischer, unhurt himself, except that the flat side of a spent 
piece of shell made a black and blue spot on "the small of the 
back," found afterwards nine shot-holes in his shelter, seven in 
his woolen, and two in his rubber blanket, the several folds thus 
conspiring to magnify the effect of three bullets. 

Daniels was one of those who found shelter on the Union side 
of a line of works over which the brigade had charged. There 
he remained until late in the day, when word was sent in that all 
who could must get out, as a new line of works was to be 
erected, and they would be between the Hnes. "Quite a num- 
ber, not many were able, started for the rear, the movement 
being the signal for another dose of canister." 

Night came down upon the field with our dead and wounded 
lying where they fell between the lines, the groans of the 
wounded and the moaning of the dying being described as 
heart-rending. Hampered by lack of entrenching tools and 
still more by the peevishness of our " misguided neighbors," 
just across the debatable ground, who had little regard for life 
or limb, if the property of the hated Yankee, the men toiled all 
night throwing up in front the earth which could be manipu- 
lated by plate and dipper, only as it was loosened by the bay- 
onet. When the morning dawned, a respectable breastwork, 
bristling with bayonets, stood over against those erected by the 
rebels. Behind this shelter the Army of the Potomac waited 
orders for the next flank movement which was to take it south- 
ward to and beyond the James. 

That morning we were ordered farther to the left where we 




SAMUEL S. SOUTHWARD. 



COLD HARBOR. 125 

found some really excellent works. Here it was that Captain 
Woodbury was wounded. He was in the trenches, safely cov- 
ered by the breastwork, when a minie-ball struck the limb of a 
tree overhead and glancing down hit him in the leg. 

For several days, " no cessation of hostilities was asked for, 
and common rumor gave as a reason that there was fear of a 
refusal, as there were no dead or wounded of the enemy between 
the lines to be cared for." * 

" It was done at last on the evening of the third day after the 
battle, when for the most part the wounded needed no further 
care, and our dead had to be buried almost where they fell."t 

Upon our former comrade, Doctor Emmerton, now Assistant- 
Surgeon of the 23d, devolved the duty of bearing the flag of 
truce. Let me quote his own words : — 

" Towards night an order, which was said to have been 
addressed in turn to all the medical officers of a superior rank 
in the corps and had found all too busy to attend to it, came to 
me to go out with a flag of truce and arrange for the rescue of 
the wounded and the burial of the dead. There was little time 
for ceremony. CaiTying a ramrod to which had been fixed a 
sheet of lint, I climbed over the works. On the neutral ground 
I met a Mississippi Major, who speedily assured me, it needed 
little demonstration, that all our men, not already dead, had 
been made prisoners by the enemy. The little space between 
our works and the old well-finished works of the enemy was 
thickly strewn with the dead. But whose dead? There were 
no colored troops charging with us. These faces are black as 
ebony. Five long summer suns have changed our comrades to 
bloated Ethiops. The all-devouring worms are pouring forth 
in disgusting eruption, from mouth and nostril and ear. There 
was little chance for recognition. Here and there some com- 
rade could certify the place where his friend fell dead beside 

* Major-General Smith in "The i8th Corps at Cold Harbor." 
t Brevet Maj.-Gen. Martin T. McMahon in " Cold Harbor." 



126 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

him. . . . For the most part, the seventy-one bodies found 
were consigned to a common grave ' in one red burial blent.' " * 
For ten days, a part of the time in the very front line, we 
lived, or rather existed, on this " field of death." All day the 
riflemen on either side watched their opponents with ceaseless, 
vigilance, improving every opportunity to speed the deadly 
bullet straight to its mark in body or limb of some careless 
enemy. Although there were some reckless ones, most men 
learned to be cautious under such conditions. At night the 
construction of the works was pushed, the weary men building 
anew here, strengthening there, again running a parallel or zig- 
zag closer to the enemy's lines, often dropping their entrenching 
tools to seize their rifles and man the breastworks, when in the 
darkness of the early morning the conditions seemed favorable 
for an assault. 

There was hardly any cessation in the din of small arms, 
punctuated by the sharp reports of the field-pieces and the 
hollower boom of the mortars, while the heavy atmosphere was 
charged with the sulphurous fumes of powder. 

Out of the fifteen or sixteen men that Company F carried 
into Cold Harbor (the whole regiment numbered but one hun- 
dred and sixty-seven), half were wounded, strangely enough 
none being killed. The wounded were : Capt. H. P. Woodbury, 
Corp. J. P. Tilton, Corp. J. M. Crocker, Privates Peter Becker,. 
Ezra L. Browne, Albert C. Ellison, Frank R. Bunker, and Eben 
N. Johnson. 

Johnson was wounded in the head and taken prisoner. It 
was learned after the war that on the morning following the 
charge, suffering intense thirst, he essayed to crawl in search of 
of water, perhaps hoping to obtain it from the canteen of some 
dead comrade. The rebels saw him move and called out,. 
" Come this way," and he was compelled to do so. 

* 23d History. 



COLD HARBOR. 12/ 

Johnson may possibly have had a premonition of disaster to 
himself, for before going into the battle that morning he said 
to a comrade, " If anything happens to me I want you to get me 
out, and I will do the same for you," He died a few months later 
at Andersonville. 

1 2th. About 9 P. M. we left the trenches and marched 
rapidly to White House Landing, covering the distance, some 
twenty-two miles, before five o'clock next morning. On either 
hand along the road stood long lines of army wagons, to which 
the mules were attached, doubtless gathering for their trip 
" across country" to the James River. 

Embarking on the propeller "J. Devenny," she carried us 
safely over what had come to be for us a regular thoroughfare 
to City Point, this being the fourth time we had sailed over a 
portion of the route. As we steamed up James River the troops 
which had crossed the Peninsula were being ferried over at 
Harrison's Landing. At City Point we were directed to proceed 
up the Appomattox to Point of Rocks, and just at night landed, 
finding ourselves once more on familiar ground. 

Went into camp in rear of the entrenchments about midway 
between the rivers, where we quietly remained until the twentieth, 
one day making a reconnaissance to and beyond the Petersburg 
and Richmond Railroad, where a section of the track was torn up 
and telegraph connection destroyed " ad libitum." 

The last of the month Assistant Surgeon Emmerton left the 
regiment to assume new duties and higher rank. Although we 
came somewhat under his care in the spring months of 1865 at 
Kinston, N. C, he was never afterward officially connected with 
the regiment. Company F may claim the honor of furnishing 
a good surgeon and first-class historian to the 23d. 



128 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

PETERSBURG. 

June 20. Crossed the pontoon to the south side of the 
Appomattox, and moved out along the Spring Hill Road to 
the Petersburg front. The next morning we joined the brigade, 
from which we had been temporarily detached since our return 
from Cold Harbor, and that night between nine and ten o'clock 
went into the trenches. 

Grant's investing lines were now being drawn about the city 
in python-like folds, whose close embrace was never to be 
loosened until the end. From the Appomattox River, where 
rested the right of the i8th Corps, the double line of works — 
Union and Confederate — circled in a wide sweep toward the 
south and left for several miles. 

A deep ravine, beginning at the river, ran toward the left, 
in rear of and generally parallel with our line. It was said to 
extend for a long distance in that direction, although gradually 
becoming a less prominent feature in the landscape. The 
Petersburg and City Point Railroad bridge crossed it a short 
distance from the river. In this ravine the regiments in reserve 
encamped when at the rear, and here, perhaps half a mile south 
of the bridge. Company F rested in the intervals of duty in the 
trenches. 

In small spurs or branches of the main ravine were located 
the camps of the several division and brigade headquarters, 
screened from the heat of the sun by boughs and bushes laid 
overhead upon a frame or scaffolding. The writer remembers 
one of these embowered camps, that of the headquarters of the 




JOHN P. TILTON. 



PETERSnURG. 1 29 

1st Division, i8th Army Corps, which was a model in its way 
and admired by all visitors. 

These lateral fissures were very uncomfortable dwelling 
places during those hot days, for, unless the wind was in the 
right direction, not a breath of air penetrated them. 

The tour of duty at the front began, say at lo o'clock P. M., 
continuing for forty-eight hours, thus giving one full night in 
the trenches, the troops always entering and retiring after dark. 
The period of rest at the rear was for the same length of time. 
We usually entered at about the same place, through what first 
appeared to us a labyrinth of traverses and covered ways, by 
which the danger was minimized in approaching the front line. 

For a week after we went to the Petersburg front the nights 
on which we withdrew from the front line were spent in levelling 
old works, in rear and somewhat toward the right of the i8th 
Corps line. 

Our life in the trenches, though sometimes exciting, was for 
the most part very monotonous. It was not possible to take a 
constitutional "in the open," for our friends just over the way 
were too assiduous in their attentions. Although on portions 
of the line, common report said, there was an understanding 
that neither side was to fire upon the other, it would not do to 
tempt the Johnnies too strongly, for they had long been accus- 
tomed to consider us legitimate targets for their rifles, and the 
force of habit was hard to overcome. We read the papers when 
we could get them, principally the New York Herald. Those 
given to the use of the weed blandly puffed at their pipes, as if 
war and fighting were unknown. 

Much of the time was given to sleep, the men thus making 
up for wakeful nights. Some report card playing as one of the 
pastimes, not at all unlikely when we remember the passion for 
the game exhibited in the old Highlander days. Then there 
were letters to write, for ours was an army of letter-writers, and 
few there were, certainly from our own New England, who did 



130 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

not do something in that Hne. We could hear the cars running 
in and out of Petersburg and the clang of her church bells> 
softened by distance, came floating over the lines, often mingled 
with the clamor of belligerents. 

It was very hot in the pits on those bright summer days. 
Here and there a tree, spared by the builders and shells, may 
have cast its scanty shadow over a small fraction of ground ; 
occasionally the line ran through a bit of woods, but generally 
there was nothing to screen us from the sun's rays. Those who 
had "shelters" spread them across the trench, but even then 
when there was a light wind or none at all the heat was stifling. 

Often, in the darkness, we were treated to brilliant displays, 
interesting in direct ratio to their distance. The mortar-firing 
always attracted attention. A flash at some distance on our 
right was followed by the hollow boom of the mortar, and a little 
spark of fire could be seen rising slowly into the air, describing a 
beautiful curve as it reached its height. Beginning to descend, 
it moved more and more rapidly, the hissing of the fuse sound- 
ing louder and louder as it came nearer. Suddenly, coincident 
with the explosion, came a flash that illumined the whole land- 
scape, and the ensuing darkness could almost be felt. 

The Coehorn mortar was small, and easily carried by two 
men. The direction of its fire was thus readily changed, and a 
single mortar, moved from place to place, might to the enemy 
appear to be a whole battery. 

The lines of fire from the several batteries were soon under- 
stood, and when we saw a puff of smoke, and an instant later 
heard the roar of the heavy gun, we could at least approximate 
the objective point of the shell. Occasionally a new battery 
would be placed in position, and the line of flight of its pro- 
jectiles would be unknown. *' One stands with eyes and mouth 
open, every sense alert. Where will it drop? We soon learn, 
and if not too uncomfortably near, we borrow no further trouble 
on account of that battery." 



PETERSBURG. 13 ' 

There was great diversity in the sound of the various missiles 
which our considerate friends hurled at us. The shriek of a 
Whitworth, seeming to cry, "Which one, which one, which 
one?" the whir-r of a round shot, and the scream of a conical 
shell, were readily distinguished. Some good, honest shells flew 
over, with a professional directness which insured respect. 
Occasionally one appeared, as it were, to stumble along with a 
sideling motion and a swaggering noise, which was often inter- 
preted as saying, " Where 's that nigger ? Where 's that nigger ? " 

On the hill across the valley, in rear of the i8th Corps, was 
planted a heavy gun, which, at intervals of fifteen minutes, occa- 
sionally less, sent a shell into Petersburg. We could hear the 
report, then the scream of the missile as it flew overhead on its 
deadly errand. " There goes the Express," would pass from 
lip to lip. In a few seconds came the explosion of the shell,, 
then the reverberations among the buildings, and, " for the 
nonce," stillness reigned. 

26th. This evening there was a little flurry on the line. 
Just in the rear of the regimental camp, in the great ravine^ 
Henry Martin and Whit. Dodge had turned in for the night 
under one blanket. ' A few stray missiles reached them even 
there, and Martin was struck by an explosive ball, which made 
an ugly wound in the right foot, another ball, at the same time,, 
passing through the collar of his coat. He was sent to Fort 
Monroe.* 

Soon after the first of July, Bunker was wounded. At that 
time he was on detailed service at brigade headquarters, and was. 
shot while going into the trenches to deliver a message. He 
was carried to the rear by some men belonging to a New York 
regiment, and being for a long time without proper care, it was 
several months after the war ended before the wound properly 

* Martin left Fort Monroe on the 4th of July by steamer for Philadelphia, where 
he had quite an experience in three of its hospitals. He received his discharge Nov.. 
17, 1864. 



132 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

healed. The tibia was spHntered, and nine pieces of bone were 
taken out. Early this month Wm. H. Townsend died at the 
Corps Hospital. 

July 15. Ivory Thompson and A. D. Trowt returned to the 
company, having been on detailed service as guard at Division 
Headquarters since June 2. 

1 6th. One member of F remembers his first night in the 
gopher holes in front of Petersburg. 

" Two of us were marched over the breastworks after sun- 
down and left in an oblong cavity the size and shape of a grave, 
and grave were our thoughts as we pondered on our not very 
pleasant position. I do not remember that we talked much ; 
think my comrade took in the gravity of the situation as much 
as I. It was a cloudy night ; between the lines was a melon- 
patch, and we could dimly see some of the more venturesome 
* Yanks ' and ' Johnnies ' flitting about like ghosts or ghouls in 
search of the luscious fruit. What was out of my reach was 
perfectly safe as far as I was concerned, and I was glad when our 
two hours were over and we safely inside our works again." * 

17th. The rebel sharpshooters seemed specially active all 
day, and men on our side had to lie low and keep under cover. 
At 2.30 A. M. of the eighteenth we were ordered up, as it was 
very foggy and a surprise was feared. Drury's Bluff was fresh 
in mind. 

It was not unusual, however, for the troops in the trenches, 
and sometimes those in reserve, to be aroused at three o'clock 
in the morning, and required to remain under arms till daylight, 
in readiness to repel any attack. 

At some parts of the line the free exchange of papers and 
tobacco was allowed. " On one side or the other a paper is 
waved above the breastworks. Upon return of the signal the 
men climb over the works and walk out to the middle ground, 

* Trowt. 




ANDREW D. TROWT. 



PETERSBURG. 133 

shake hands, have a few minutes' chat, and separate. On the 
twentieth some seven or eight of our boys thus passed out and 
drove quite a brisk trade" in the above commodities. 

One night a large fire raged in the city and the bells rang a 
general alarm. Trains were running constantly. The battery 
of thirty pounders on the " point " at the right of the first 
division was in full play, and the spiteful sound of rifles from the 
" gopher holes " in front added to the general din. Even 
the " Petersburg Express " sent across the valley its somewhat 
doubtful messages of condolence. " Orders from Headquarters 
stopped the firing from the battery, and soon all became quiet." 

On the night before Burnside's mine was blown up we occu- 
pied the usual position at the left of the first division, whose 
right rested on the Appomattox River. There were three lines 
of works at this point roughly parallel to each other. Captain 
Raymond, now in command of the regiment, directed the 
Sergeant-Major * to go in and order the men out from the pits 
and instruct them to report to their companies. 

" I crawled in, and as fast as I reached the men I ordered 
them to report at once to the regiment at the rear. When I 
reached the last man we crept out together, but at the first line 
which we expected to find full of men we found none. The 
second line was also empty, but we were challenged at the third, 
the countersign carrying us through safely. Inquiring for the 
23d we were told it had been relieved and was back in the 
ravine, and there we found it making preparations to move." 

Moving toward the left we took position assigned us in rear 
of the Union line. Here we waited until the dawn gave us a 
view of the scene. The troops were massed closely and an air 
of expectation pervaded the whole army. At half past four 
there was an upheaval of the ground, a mass of rocks and earth 
and smoke was thrown up in one tremendous column, the dull 

* Daniels. 



134 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

roar of an explosion following. All along the line every gun 
opened its brazen throat, the air was full of shells, and the roar 
of musketry was terrific. 

" It was a magnificent spectacle, and as the mass of earth 
went up into the air, carrying with it men, guns, carriages, and 
timbers, and spread out like an immense cloud as it reached its 
altitude, so close were the Union lines that the mass appeared 
as if it would descend immediately upon the troops waiting to 
make the charge." * 

After the explosion we moved first to the left a short dis- 
tance, then to the right, where we took position on the right 
of the 9th Corps. Here we were nearer than ever to our 
friends of the other side, the opposing lines being so close that 
hand grenades were thrown from one to the other. 

August I. A flag of truce to-day secured a short reprieve 
from the killing business. On both sides men were standing in 
crowds on the breastworks gazing curiously toward those of the 
enemy. A rebel officer stalking about in a fine new pair of top 
boots was accosted by one of the bluecoats : " Say, where did 
you get those boots ; capture them in Pennsylvania?" "No," 
was the response, " I bought them and paid for them." f 

At 9 A. M. a peaceful blank cartridge was fired by the 
"Johnnies." " Get back, Yanks, into your holes," they shouted. 
The truce was ended. Every man sprang for cover and the ball 
again opened. 

The enemy had tunnelled just in front of the 23d's position, 
evidently with the intention of blowing up a sap that had been 
run toward their works. The explosion took place at five 
o'clock on the afternoon of the fourth, at some distance in 
advance of our line. "The smoke from the explosion had 

* Major W. H. Powell in " Battle of the Petersburg Crater," 

One of the rebel prisoners asserted that he went up two thousand feet, and struck 
on his head when he came down. — Letter of the time. 
t Fischer. 



PETERSBURG. 135 

hardly cleared away, when our men answered the rebel fire and 
drowned the rebel yell with their wild cheers of derision at the 
failure of their mining operations." * 

At the time, one of F's men, just returned from detail at New 
Berne, was engaged in hunting "■ graybacks" of which the 
trenches held an abundant supply and no man had the monop- 
oly. It is yet a question with Bunker as to " who raised the 

strongest stock." He is rather inclined to give credit for 

the most fearful mixture, claiming " that he got them from his 
•chopping crowd." 

9th. Papers received to-night report that General Heckman 
has been exchanged. 

15th. " On the plain at the farther side and just at the edge 
of the big ravine stood two army wagons. We had before 
noticed the teamsters who seemed to be taking it pretty leisurely, 
for we thought they must be within sight of the enemy and 
range of his guns. All at once, boom — whirr — came a 
solid shot, striking the ground not far from them. The team- 
sters sprang to their feet and began nervously ' to hook up.' 
Boom — whirr — came- another, this time a little nearer. It 
was amusing to watch them. At the report of a gun anywhere 
on the line, no matter how distant, they fell flat on their faces, 
springing again to their feet as they found themselves unharmed, 
and continuing the hitching up process. They finally moved 
away and no more shots came." \ 

This afternoon occurred the severest storm of the summer. 
In less than an hour the little brook, which flowed lazily along 
toward the river at about the central part of the ravine, became 
a roaring torrent, spreading out into a respectable lake where 
the floor of the ravine was lowest. Sutlers' stores, planks, 
barrels, logs, and shelter tents went sweeping along toward the 
Appomattox. The soldiers along the banks secured barrels and 

* Correspondent New York Herald. f Letter of the time. 



136 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

boxes of commissary and sutlers' stores for the benefit of their 
commissariat, and Trowt fished out a huge watermelon which, 
too large for one, helped out the evening meal of his immediate 
friends. 

The water rose to the bodies of the army wagons, and in some 
cases the mules tied to the "tongues" had to be cut loose. 
Within two hours the water had nearly all disappeared, and the 
ground was a mass of mud covered with wreckage. 

Along the line the water was fully as abundant, filling " the 
excavations, turning bomb-proofs to cisterns and zigzags to 
canals." * Much of the ammunition was wet, and until new 
could be issued there was grave anxiety over the situation, 
although it is probable that the enemy were as badly off as 
ourselves, and possibly quite as anxious. 

On the twentieth it rained very hard and water rose two or 
three feet in some parts of the ravine. 

2 1 St. For several days the shelling had been unusually active, 
and shells frequently struck the ground near our camp at the 
rear. It was great fun to all but Chappie to watch Curly 
dash after them as they reached the ground, and the adjectives 
and epithets which he applied to her as he endeavored to 
restrain her seeming waywardness, were not altogether compli- 
mentary, even to a dog. 

The boys were very social with the " Johnnies," who told us 
that the men of the 5th Corps, which preceded the i8th at this 
part of the hne, made an agreement with them not to fire on 
each other except in case of a general attack. 

" From the plain just outside our works a fine view of the 
Crater and adjoining works is obtained." 

Captain Woodbury returned from furlough to-day. 

24th. Relieved from duty in front and returned to the ravine, 
reaching our sleeping place not far from midnight. 

* 23d History. 




0. W. H. UPHAM. 



PETERSBURG. 



25th. Drew rations and " moved," this time in the direction 
of Bermuda Hundred, crossing the pontoon bridge at Broadway 
Landing, and settling down to bivouac at a short distance from 
the river. There are rumors of an early departure for North 
Carolina. The men hope they are well founded. 

General Heckman visited the brigade to-day and was ""reeted 
with much enthusiasm by the men of the several regiments.* 
After his exchange, General Heckman was ordered to the 
Army of the James. He had command at the capture of Fort 
Harrison, and was highly complimented by General Grant for 
the ability he displayed. 

When the loth and i8th Corps were consolidated into the 
24th Corps in December, 1 864, the three colored divisions were 
organized by the General into the 25th Corps, and he was in 
command of it through that winter. 

He resigned May 25, 1865. He devoted all his energies to 
the great cause, in which he did "yeoman's service," and as has 
been well said, " he was a true soldier of the Republic." 

*The boys of Company ¥j remembering General Heckman as the efficient 
and daring commander of the Red Star Brigade until his capture at Drury's Bluff, 
Va.,will regret to learn that he passed away at the age of seventy-three, Jan. 14, 1896^ 
at his pleasant home in Germantown, Pa. He had been for some years quite an 
invalid, and his last days were filled with suffering, except at the end, when he peace- 
fully closed his eyes as in sleep. His last word was " Forward," spoken « with some 
trace of his old habit of decision and command." His disease was kidney complaint, 
which had troubled him for years, " and was the result of the bruise he received at 
Port Walthall when his horse < Mustang ' was shot." It was the author's privilege to 
spend several hours with him. May 16, 1892, twenty-eight years to a day, after the 
disaster at Drury's Bluff, when he saw the General for the last time during that long 
period, as he mounted his horse at the sound of the rebel yell and dashed down the 
road to the front. Pie entertained the liveliest feelings of regard for the men of his 
old command, and often spoke of them in his letters. 



138 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

BACK TO THE OLD NORTH STATE. 

September 4. Orders were received to-night for the regi- 
ment to embark for New Berne. It may be easily imagined that 
the prospect of return to the Old North State was especially 
pleasing to our weary men. Her piney woods, the haunt of the 
wild pig, so often in the old days a mark for our " Enfields," 
and her sandy levels, luxuriant with the " gamey goober," and 
the " festive flea," associated as they were with our earliest 
service, had many attractions for our 23d boys, and there were 
no laggards in the work of preparation for the trip. 

5th. At 11.30 A. M. boarded the steamer " Wenonah " and 
left Bermuda Hundred, anchoring at 9 P. M. near the wharf at 
Fort Monroe. Here Carleton and Sargent rejoined the com- 
pany, and Glazier, on duty at Hampton, paid us a short visit. 
Next day we sailed over to Portsmouth and procured our knap- 
sacks, from which we had been parted since the last of April, 
when we left Getty's Station on the summer campaign. We 
were detained here until the ninth on account of a severe storm, 
but at 5 P. M. of that day we lifted the anchor and sailed out 
between the capes, bound for our old stamping ground in North 
Carolina, to which " a calm sea and prosperous voyage " brought 
us by 10 P. M. on the eleventh. 

Landed at the wharf near Fort Spinola, and went into camp 
between the river and the railroad, not far from Camp Pendleton, 
where we passed many pleasant days in the fall of '62. 

On the thirteenth we moved into the camp formerly occupied 
by the 9th Maine, now named after the lamented Chambers, who 
fell at Drury's Bluff, Pleasantly situated on the banks of the 




DAVID B. WALLIS, 
Color-Sergeant 23cl Mass. Vols. 



BACK TO THE OLD NORTH STATE. 1 39 

Neuse, our tents were well stockaded, and if we might judge by 
their cook-houses, the cuisine of the Maine boys had been well 
cared for. 

Glazier, Winchester, and Edgerly now returned to the com- 
pany, and J. W. Dodge was detailed for service at the hospital. 
Our duties here were not very arduous ; beside those pertaining 
to the camp, there was an occasional detail for picket, and now 
and then a trip to Morehead as guard for trains, 

20th. " Visited the city and called on Woodbury, Pinkham, 
and Shaw, on detailed service, and last but not least, my devoted 
friend. Aunt Hannah Robinson, fat and jolly as ever, delighted 
that the boys had returned to ' Ole Carline.' " * 

Those members of F who, when the band was discharged with 
others in 1862, went into their quarters on Pollock Street, doubt- 
less remember Aunt Hannah, or will at least when we speak of 
the biscuit and sweet-cakes she used to make, for ofttimes the 
stomach has a wonderfully quickening effect upon the memory. 
She always gave the boys a cheery welcome, and was especially 
pleased to see Osborne, Putnam, and Trowt (happy trio) upon 
their return from ourjiumerous expeditions. 

During the latter part of September the yellow fever raged in 
New Berne, and many poor fellows, spared by bullets, went 
down before the dread scourge. The city became like a charnel 
house. A funereal stillness pervaded the streets, fires burning 
at every corner, and only those compelled by duty were suffered, 
or cared, to enter. 

During the prevalence of the disease those whose duties 
required their presence at the hospitals remained bravely at 
their posts, performing deeds none the less heroic because invis- 
ible to the outside world. 

" I do not know that he is alone, but there are certainly not 
many whose meed is greater than that of Corp. Henry F. 
Waters of Company F. He had been, more than two years, 

* Trowt. 



I40 CO, F, 23D MASS. VOLS, 

clerk in the general hospitals. The time for which he enlisted 
had expired, and he might have honorably sought safety in his 
northern home. He remained at his post till all around him 
had been stricken down ; till he himself fell, and then, after a 
few days at Morehead, returned and remained until the danger 
was over." 

" Nor did the fact that he had been detached more than two 
years, in fact promoted out of the regiment for the greater part 
of the time, help much the sorrow in the regiment at the loss of 
Billy Prime, once of F, who died Sept. 27. Though not of us 
he had been hearty in receiving, and watchful in caring for. all 
of us whom wounds or disease had sent to general hospital." * 

At the expiration of their term of service the non-re-enlisted 
members of the company, with those who joined it in 1862, left 
for home on the steamer " Thorne," sailing on the afternoon of 
the twenty-seventh. A slight accident to the machinery 
detained us several hours in the river. For once, Hatteras 
was respectful and gave us a quiet " send-off," and we anchored 
in Hampton Roads early on the twenty-ninth ; we were quaran- 
tined here a short time, as we came from an infected port. 
On the thirtieth, Pinkham, who had been quite sick, died, and 
the steamer ran out to sea several miles, where his body was 
consigned to the ocean. 

October 2. Ordered up the York River to Yorktown, but 
we had not proceeded far before the tug " Blackbird " over- 
hauled us with orders to return. We were transferred to the 
"Admiral Dupont," and just at night sailed for New York, 
there being again transferred, this time to the steamer " Charles 
Thomas." We reached Boston on the sixth. Colonel Kurtz 
was almost the first person to greet us, and we received on every 
hand a most cordial welcome. On the thirteenth the company 
reported at Lynnfield for final muster out and pay. 

* 23d History. 




JOSIAH H. WOODBURY. 



BACK TO IHE OLD NORTH STATE. I4I 

On the 27th of September one of F's men,* who had been 
on detached service at i8th Corps headquarters, came down 
from the Bermuda Hundred front, expecting to meet the com- 
pany as it came up from North Carohna. The regiment not 
having arrived, the Provost Marshal sent him out to Camp 
Distribution, promising to notify him when it was ready to 
leave for Boston. This he failed to do, and it was not until 
Oct. 1 1, a week after the regiment had sailed, that he secured a 
pass to Baltimore, the Provost Marshal there threatening 
another detention at Camp Distribution. He was finally passed 
on, reaching Boston on the fourteenth, the day after the com- 
pany was mustered out. 

For a brief space let us return to the old North State, across 
which Sherman, with his " dashing Yankee boys," is steadily 
making his way. Company F, reduced to a mere handful by 
the fortunes of war and especially by the departure of its non- 
re-enlisted men, moved out from camp with the regiment soon 
after the ist of March. 

A large number of Westerners, convalescents sent from 
Washington to New Berne to rejoin their commands, now 
moving north with Sherman's army, had been temporarily 
transferred to the 23d, F receiving her proportion of the new 
levies. 

The 23d Battalion formed part of General Schofield's force, 
advancing for the purpose of opening communication with 
General Sherman's army at Goldsboro. They moved up tlie 
railroad toward Kinston, having an occasional brush with the 
enemy until they reached Southwest Creek about the seventh. 

For several days the rebels disputed their advance, but event- 
ually retired, being closely followed by the Federals. During 
one of these encounters, on the 8th of March, Sergeant Snapp 
was wounded in the arm and Private John Forrest in the chest. 

The 23d was detailed to remain at Kinston, to guard the 

* Valentine. 



142 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

bridge over the Neuse River. Here Sherman's men left them, 
proceeding on to join their respective regiments. 

The 23d also guarded at this point hundreds of bushels of 
grain intended for Sherman's army, and here they remained 
until the 2d of May, when the command was ordered to New 
Berne to patrol the city. It went into camp near Fort Totten, 
performing this duty until the last of June. 

About this time Charles Dudley, who was captured at Drury's 
Bluff, rejoined the company. He was the only man of Com- 
pany F who survived the horrors of the rebel prisons. 

On the twenty-fifth an orderly rode into camp with a large 
envelope tucked under his belt. "When the boys saw him 
there was a general cry, ' Fall in to be mustered out.' In a very 
brief time the order came and we were soon mustered out of 
service, and everything turned over to the United States 
authorities."* 

Gardner received from Colonel Raymond a warrant as prin- 
cipal musician. It was dated Sept. 28, 1864. "He said I 
had done the drumming for the regiment from that time, and 
I might as well have the pay for it." 

The company was soon en route by rail to Morehead City, 
where a steamer was taken for home. 

Not long after, " the ragged remnant of the 23d Mass. Vol. 
Infantry, after nearly four years of service, arrived in Boston. 
The Adjutant and Quartermaster had left us at New York to 
proceed by rail to Boston for the purpose of notifying our 
friends of our prospective arrival. The discomforts of the 
crowded steamer we willingly endured for a while longer, con- 
soling ourselves with the thought of the feast of good things for 
body and mind that was being prepared for us in old Faneuil 
Hall. For had we not borne the nation's flag and the white 

* Gardner. 



BACK TO THE OLD NORTH STATE. I43 

banner of the Commonwealth through the war, making a record 
that was the pride of every member? " 

" As we rolled into the station a half dozen of ' Boston's 
Finest ' were on hand to do the honors, and with the drum beat- 
ing two-four time, we marched to — Faneuil Hall to eat 
turkey? Ah! no; to the Providence Railroad Station, where a 
train was kindly provided to take us to Readville, there to 
encamp until we were paid and finally mustered out." * 

The returning veterans were hardly noticed as they marched 
through the streets of the city. When they reached the station 
some of the men (Putnam was one) stepped on the cars from 
one side and off on the other, " deserting the regiment for the 
first and only time." After a short visit at their homes, these 
absentees reported at the camp in Readville in season to be 
mustered out with the regiment. 

One of the last, if not the very last, promotion in the regiment 
was that of Sergeant Snapp of F, to the rank of Second Lieu- 
tenant, to which office, however, he was not mustered. 

Company F was fortunate in the officers assigned to fill 
vacancies, and it wilLnot be out of place to make some mention 
of them here. 

Col. Henry Pickett Woodbury responded to the first call of 
the country in 1861 and went to the front with the Beverly 
Light Infantry as First Sergeant. At the close of the three 
months' campaign he joined the 23d Regiment as First Lieuten- 
ant of Company G. Was promoted to Captain ^nd assigned to 
Company F while at Carolina City, in May, 1863, and later 
received commission as Lieutenant-Colonel. He did loyal 
service through the war, and at its close returned to his home at 
Beverly, being honored with various positions of trust, in 1877 
representing Beverly in the Legislature. He was Commander 
of Post 89, G. A. R., a Marshal of Liberty Lodge of Free 
Masons, a Good Templar, and a Son of Temperance. He died at 

* Putnam. 



144 ^O- ^' 23^ MASS. VOLS. 

Beverly, Jan. 9, 1884, at the age of forty-eight years, eleven 
days, his disease having its foundation in the exposure incident 
to his army life. He was active in church work and was highly 
esteemed in the community in which he lived and died. 

Second Lieut. George V. Barrett was promoted from Sergeant- 
Major in January, 1863, and assigned to Company F while at 
Camp Pendleton, reporting one afternoon just as the company 
was forming for dress parade. Later he received a commission 
as First Lieutenant and was transferred to another company, 
but he remained long enough with F to secure the good-will 
and esteem of the men, and proved himself an efficient officer. 

Comrades, my task is done. We have followed the fortunes 
of the boys of F through the years in which, for love of 
country, they willingly endured hunger and thirst, the winter's 
cold and summer's blinding heat, while they tirelessly struggled 
for supremacy on bloody fields. All familiar with the trials of 
those days will agree that " the half has not been told." 

Three decades have gone since they touched elbows in the 
ranks, and marched with swinging step to the music of the 
Union. Many since the war have been ordered forward, and 
the sweep of years has widely scattered the survivors. Now and 
then they meet each other in the busy world, but only to say, 
" Hailand farewell." 

We are possibly yet too near those days of conflict for a just 
judgment upon their work, but future generations will fully 
realize its significance and value, and the people who shall 
occupy this fair land of ours, after not only the smoke of battle 
but the aftermath of factional friction shall have passed away, 
will look back with unclouded vision upon the terrible struggle, 
and devoutly thank the God of Nations that the boys of '61, in 
all the strength of their young manhood, so bravely, so persist- 
ently determined that " government of the people, by the 
people, and for the people, should not perish from the earth." 



z - E 



2 n 



H n 

7= :: 



O 




THE ROSTER. 



George Manton Whipple, Captain; b. Jan. 9, 1830; Bookseller; Mard.; Sergt. 
Salem Lt. Infy.; Capt. U. D. C; Enrd. Oct. i, 1 861, Salem; Dischgd. for Dis. 
May 2, 1863; resides at Salem, Mass. 



Charles Henry Bates, ist Lieut.; b. June 26, 1837; Clerk; Sing.; Salem Lt. Infy.; 
2d Lieut. U. D. C; Enrd. Oct, i, 1861, Salem; Res. Jan. 8, 1863; Mard.; Last 
Reunion attended, 1889; died suddenly, Bedford, Mass., July 25, 1895. 



George Robinson Emmerton, 2d Lieut.; b. Feb. 9, 1836; Merchant; Sing.; 4th 
Lieut. U. D. C. ; Enrd. Oct. i, 1861, Salem; Prom, ist Lieut. July 24, 1862, 
not mustered; Dischgd. for Dis. Aug. 7, 1862; Mard., two daughters; Last R. 
1886; died, Salem, May 22, 1888. 



SUBSEQUENTLY ASSIGNED. 

Woodbury, Henry Pickett; b. Dec. 29, 1835; Cordr.; Mard.; ist Sergt., Co. E, 
8th M. V. M., 3 mos. Serv.; Enrd. Sept. 8, 1861, Co. G, Beverly; Capt. Co. F, 
May 3, 1863; Wd. C. H.; Comd. Lt. Col. Sept. 20. 1864; Dischgd. as Captain 
from Hospital, June 25, 1865; died, Jan. 9, 1884. 



Barrett, George V.; 24; Sing.; Conductor; Co. B, 6th M. V. M., 3 mos. serv.; 
Enrd. Oct. 2, 1861, Shirley; 2d Sergt. Co. H; ist Sergt. March 6, 1862; Sergt. 
Major Nov., 1862; 2d Lieut, and assigned to F Jan. 10, 1863; ist Lieut. Oct. 
8, 1863; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; Ayer, Mass. 



146 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 



SERGEANTS. 

Richard P. Wheeler, 1st Sergeant; b. Danvers, Aug. 16, 1835; Merchant; Sing.; 
Sergt. U. D. C; Enrd. Oct. 12, 1861, Salem; 2d Lieut. March 15, 1862; ist 
Lieut. Dec. 9, 1862; A. A. D. C, Staff of Brig.-Gen. C. A. Heckman; Wd, D. 
B.; died of Wd. June 2, 1864, Chesapeake Hospital. 



Putnam T. Derby, 2d Sergt.; 25; Tin worker; Sing.; Co. J., 8th M. V. M., 3 mos. 
Serv.; Enrd. Oct, 5, 1861, Salem; Discbgd. for Prom. March 30, 1863, Capt. 
U. S. C. T.; Danvers, Mass. 



Charles Henry Hayward, 3d Sergt.; b, Jan. 23, 1837; Clerk; Sing.; ist Sergt. 
U. D. C; Enrd. Oct. 7, 1861, Salem; Sergt.-Maj. May 10, 1862; 2d Lieut. 
Aug. 20, 1862; 1st Lieut. Jan. 10, 1863; Wd. Whall.; Det. Rec. Serv. in Mass. 
1863; Discbgd. Exp. of Serv. ; Mard., one son, two daughters; Salem, Mass. 



Phh-IP M. Fowler, 4th Sergt.; Tailor; Mard.; U. D. C; Enrd. Oct. i, 1861; 
Salem; Discbgd. for Prom. Capt. U. S. C. T., March 30, 1863. 



Francis Higginson Lee, 5th Sergt.; 24; Gentleman; Sing.; Corpl. U. D. C; Enrd. 
Oct. I, 1861, Salem; Det. Q. M. Dept.; Discbgd., Order of Gen. Dix, July 19, 
1864; Salem, Mass. 



CORPORALS. 

David Carlton, Corpl.; 34; b. Chelmsford; Carpenter; Mard.; U. D. C; Enrd. 
Oct. I, 1861, Salem; Sergt.; ist Sergt.; Wd., Kinston, N. C, Dec. 14, 1862; 
Pris. D. B.; killed by Prison Guard, Charleston, S. C, Sept. 25, 1864. 



THE ROSTER. 14/ 

Joseph G. S. Carleton, Corpl.; b. Aug. lo, 1837; Clerk; Sing.: U. D. C; Enrd. 
Oct. I, 1861, Salem; Det. H. Q. Guard, and as Forage Master from November, 
1863; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; Mard.; Lynn, Mass. 



Charles W. Davis, Corpl.; 32; Co. A., 5th M. V. M., 3 mos. serv.; Carpenter; 
Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 5, 1861, Salem; Sergt. ; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv. ; died, Salem, 
Nov. I, 1864. 



James Arthur Emmerton, Corpl.; b. Aug. 28, 1834; Physician; Sing.; U. D. C. ; 
Enrd. Oct. i, 1861, Salem; Gun crew; Asst. Surg., July 31, 1862; Dischgd. for 
Prom. May 27, 1864, Surg. 2d Mass. Hy. Arty.; Dischgd. end of wrar; Histo- 
rian of 23d Regt.; Last R. 1887; died, Salem, Dec. 31, 18S8. 



George S. Mansfield, Corpl.; 29; Upholsterer; Mard.; U. D. C; Enrd. Oct. i, 
1861, Salem; Trans, to V. R. C, Feb. 8, 1S64; Greenwood, Mass. 



Jacob Nagel, Corpl. ; 34; Tailor; Mard.; U. D. C; Enrd. Oct. i, 1861, Salem; 
Dischgd. for Dis. March 20, 1863; Egleston Sq., Mass. 



Louis L. Robbins, Corpl.; b. Dec. 5, 1841; Salesman; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 2, 1861, 
Salem; Commy. Clerk on "Pilot Boy"; Wd. N. Berne; Dischgd. for Dis.; 
Mard., 2 sons, i daughter; Nyack, N. Y. 



Henry Fitz-Gilbert Waters, Corpl.; b. March 29, 1833; Harv. Coll. 1855; 
Teacher; Sing.; Sergt. U. D. C; Enrd. Oct. 17, 1861, Salem; Dischgd. Exp. 
of Serv.; Civ. Clerk; Commy. Dept., Beaufort, S. C, 1865; London, Eng. 



148 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 



PRIVATES. 

Almy, Hiram H.; b. Adams, Mass., March, 1841; Clerk; Sing.; Enrd. Nov. 2, 
1 86 1, Boston; killed Dec. 16, 1862, Whall. 



Arnold, Richard B.; 21; Baker; Mard.; Enrd. Oct. 22, 1861, Lynn; died Feb. 
20, 1862, Fort Monroe; Bd. Hampton, Va., No. 5,134. 



Arrington, Benjamin F.; b. June 13, 1836; Printer; Mard.; Enrd. Oct. 14,1861, 
Salem; Detchd. Frintex on Frooress; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; died April 9, 187 1. 



Arrington, James, Jr.; b. Sept. 10, 1832; Painter; Mard.; Salem City Guards; 
Enrd. Oct. 14, 1861, Salem; Dischgd. for Dis. March 4, 1862; Re-end. July 7, 
1864, in V. R. C; Assgnd. to E, 6th Reg.; Dischgd. Nov. 8, 1865, O. W, D.; 
Pension; Somerville, Mass. 



Austin, William R.; 19; Currier; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 9, 1861, Salem; Asst. 
wagoner; Pioneer, 1864; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; Salem, Mass. 



Barnard, Samuel; 34; Farmer; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 17, 1861, Salem; Dischgd. for 
Dis. SeDt. 28, 1863; Salem, Mass. 



Batchelder, George H.; 25; Fireman; Mard.; Enrd. Oct. 16, 1861, Salem; 
Dischgd. for Dis. Dec. 31, 1861; killed by fall from fire engine, Lynn, Nov, 
3, 1891. 



THE ROSTER. I49 

Bauer, Anton; 23; Tailor; Mard.; Enrd. July 17, 1S62, Salem; Dischgd. for 
Dis. Sept. 14, 1863. 



Becker, Peter; 30; Tailor; Mard.; Enrd. Oct. 2, 1861, Salem; Wd. C. H.June 
3, 1864; Orderly, Reg. H. Q. ; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; Salem, Mass. 



Brooks, Samuel H.; 26; Merchant; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 7, 186 1, Salem; Wd. N. 
B., March 14, 1862; died, Salem, April 6, 1862. 



Browne, Ezra L.; 18; Currier; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 14, 1861, Salem; Wd. March 
14, 1862, N. B., and June 3, 1S64, C. H.; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; Salem, Mass. 



Bunker, Frank R.; 19; b. Cambridge; Clerk; Sing.; Enrd. July 7, 1862, Belmont; 
Re-end.; Wd. C. H., June, 1864, and Petersburg, Va., July, 1864; H.Q. Gd.; 
Dischgd. Sept. iS, 1865; Mard., two daughters; Atlanta, Ga. 



Burchstead, David W.; b. Jan. 26, 1843; Farmer; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 14, 1861, 
Salem; Corp., April 6, 1S64; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; Mard., three sons, one 
daughter; North Leominster, Mass, 



Caird, Francis S.; 24; Teamster; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 12, 1861, Danvers; Wd. 
Rke.; Dischgd. for Dis. Sept. 5, 1862; Danvers, Mass. 



Chapple. William F.; 35; Police; Mard.; Enrd. Oct. 4, 1861, Salem; Co. 
Commy.; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; Salem, Mass. 



150 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

Clark, Charles P.; 45; Farmer; Mard.; Enrd. Oct. 12, 1861, Topsfield; Dischgd. 
for Dis. Dec. 31, 1861. 



Cook, Jeremiah; 35; Cordr.; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 8, 1861, Danvers; Dischgd. for 
Dis. Sept. 25, 1S62; Rowley, Mass. 



Cook, William S.; 17; Student; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 9, 1861, Salem; Dischgd. for 
Dis. Oct. 13, 1862; died, Dec. 10, 1S72, at Salem. 



Crocker, Josiah M.; b. June 29, 1842; Currier; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 9, 1861, Salem; 
Corpl.; Wd. C. H.; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; Salem, Mass. 



Cummins, Edward (S.); 18; Farmer; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 16, 1861, Topsfield; Wd. 
N. B., March 14, 1862; Dischgd. for Dis. Oct. 4, 1862; Re-end. in Co. A, 19th 
U. S. Inf., July 17, 1863; Dischgd. July 17, 1868, Exp. of Serv.; died, Soldiers 
Home, Chelsea, Dec. 21, 1894. 



Daniels, William F.; 18; Clerk; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 22, 186 1, Salem; Corpl. Sept. 
8, 1862; Sergt. March i, 1S63; ist Sergt. 1863; Sergt.-Maj. 1864; Dischgd. 
Exp. of Serv. ; Salem, Mass. 



Derby, Perley; 38; Dentist; Mard.; Enrd. July 28, 1862, Salem; Dischgd. for 
Dis. Aug. 7, 1863; Salem, Mass. 



Dodge, Andrew, 2d; b. Oct. 4, 1843; Cordr.; Sing.; Enrd. Aug. 4, 1862, Wenham; 
won medal for marksmanship Jan. i, 1864; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv,; Beverly, 
Mass. 



THE ROSTER. I5I 

Dodge, Francis S.; b. Sept. 11, 1842; Farmer; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 9, 1861, Danvers; 
Corpl.; Dischgd. for Prom. Dec. 19, 1863; ist Lieut. 2d U. S. C. Cav., Dec. 20, 
1S63; Capt. 2d U. S. C. C, July 6, 1865; Hon. mustered out, Feb. 12, 1866; 
1st Lieut. 9tli Cav., July 28, 1866; Accepted, Jan. 24, 1867; Capt. July 31, 
1867; Accepted, Sept. 6, 1867; Major and Paymaster, Jan. 13, 1880; Accepted, 
Jan. 25, 1880; Major by Brevet, Feb. 27, 1890, for "gallant services in action 
against Indians at Milk Creek, Col., Sept. 29 and 30, and Oct. i, 1879"; 
Mard.; San Antonio, Tex. 



Dodge, George Augustus; b. March, 1842; Farmer; Sing.; Enrd. July 28, 1862, 
Wenham; Reg. Postmaster; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; Mard., one daughter; died, 
Dec. 16, 1S79. 



Dodge, Joseph W. ; 37; Mason; Mard.; Enrd. Dec. 31, 1863, Hamilton; Hosp. 
Cook; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; Maiden, Mass. 



Dow, Charles M.; 18; Farmer; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 10, i86r. So. Reading; died, 
June 4, 1863, Carolina City, N. C; Bd. N. B. No. 1,726. 



Driver, George H. S.; b. Salem, Feb. 4,1842; Clerk; Sing.; U. D. C; Enrd. 
Oct. 7, 1861, Danvers; Det. Commy. on "Highlander"; Dischgd. for Dis. Sept. 
28, 1862; Wakefield, Mass. 



Dudley, Charles; Forger; Mard.; Enrd. Feb. 8, 1864, Claremont, N. H. ; Pris. 
D. B.; Paroled Jan., 1865; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; Boston, Mass. 



Dudley, George Warren; b. No. Troy, Vt., April 10, 1846; Farmer; Sing.; Enrd. 
July 19, 1862, Salem; Dischgd. for Dis. Aug. 14, 1863; St. Louis, Mo. 



152 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

Dudley, John S.; 24; Farmer; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 12, 1861, Topsfield; Dischgd. 
Exp. of Serv.; dead. 



Edgerly, Charles E.; b. June 5, 1846; Tinman; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 11, 1861, 
Salem; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; Sebec Village, Me. 



Ellison, Albert C; b. Chester, Vt., July 17, 1841; Farmer; Sing.; Enrd. July 10, 
1862, Belmont; Wd. WhalL; Re-end.; Wd. C. H. ; Dischgd. end of war; died, 
Holyoke, Mass., April 8, 1892. 



Emilio, Luis Fenollosa; b. Dec. 22, 1844; Student; Sing.; U. D. C; Enrd. Oct. 
19, 1861, Salem; Corpl. Aug. 22, 1S62; Sergt. Sept. i, 1862; Dischgd. for 
Prom. Feb. 27, 1863; 2d Lieut. 54th Mass. Inf.; Capt. May 23, 1863; Dischgd. 
Exp. of Serv. ; New York. 



Emmerson, James O.; 18; Upholsterer; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 30, 1861, Boston; 
Dischgd. for Dis. April 15, 1862. 



Farley, James H.; 21; Cooper; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 14, 1861, Salem; Dischgd. Exp. 
of Serv.; Salem, Mass. 



Field, Charles; 46; Cordr.; Mard.; Enrd. Oct. 8, 1861, Danvers; Dischgd. for 
Dis. July 8, 1862; Danvers, Mass. 



Fischer, William F.; b. Stuttgardt, Wurtemberg, Oct. 5, 1835; Tailor; Sing.; 
U. D. C; Enrd. Oct. i, 1861, Salem; Corpl. January, 1864; Dischgd. Exp. of 
Serv.; Mard.; Salem, Mass. 



THE ROSTER. I 53 

Floyd, Charles J. P. ; b. Newburyport, April 16, 1829; Cordr.; Mard.; Enrd. Oct. 

23, 1861, Topsfield; Dischgd. for Dis. Aug. i, 1863; two sons, two daughters; 
Last R. 1886; died, June i, 1890, at Topsfield. 



Flynn, Patrick; 18; Cordr.; Sing.; Enrd. Feb. 15, 1865, Boston; Dischgd. Exp. 
of Serv. 



Forrest, John; 28; Gas fitter; Sing.; Enrd. Nov. 23, 1864, Acton, Mass.; Wd. 
Kinston, 1865; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv. 



Gardner, Albert G.; 15; b. Salem; Farmer; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 19, 1861, Boston; 
Drummer; Re-end.; Prin. Mus. on N. C. S. to date from Sept. 28, 1864; Dischgd. 
July 8, 1865; Dartmouth, Mass, 



Glazier, James E.; 27; Mason; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 10, 1861, Salem; Det. Hospital 
Attendant, on Steamer "Cosmopolitan" in 1863; Hampton Hospital, April, 
1864; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; Ukiah City, Cal. 



Gray, John; b. Jan. 15, 1840; Printer; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 16, 1861, Salem; Det. 
on Gun crew; Printer on Progress; Storekeeper with Med. Purv. Oct. 10, 
1862, to May 15, 1864; Acting Hospital Steward in Virginia, 1864; Dischgd. 
Exp. of Serv.; Melrose, Mass. 



Grosvenor, Edward P.; 29; Cooper; Sing.; Enrd. Aug. 30, 1862, Salem; Pris. 
D. B.; died, AndvUe., Aug. i, 1864; Bd. there. No. 4,511. 



154 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

Hamblet, Samuel H.; b. Jan. 23, 1845; Farmer; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 21, 1861, 
Salem; Dischgd. for Prom. Sergt. Co. K, 2d Mass. Arty. Dec. 5, 1863; 
Dischgd. for Prom. 2d Lieut. 5th Mass. Batty. June 19, 1864; ist Lieut. Oct. 
4, 1864; Dischgd. end of war; Salem, Mass. 



Hill, Aroet M.; 35; Shoecutter; Mard; Enrd. Oct. 16, i86x, Topsfield; Dischgd. 
for Dis. July 8, 1862; died, Danvers, May 3, 1887. 



HiLTZ, Jacob C; 19; Mar.; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 10, 1861, Salem; Det. barque 
"Voltigeur"; Dischgd. for Prom. Nov. 8, 1863; Last R. 1886; died, Maiden, 
Feb. 24, 1889. 



Hinckley, George O.; 21; Junk-dealer; Mard.; Enrd. July 28, 1862, Salem; 
Wd. Whall.; Pris. D. B.; died, Andville., Sept. 28, 1864; Bd. there. No. 9,968. 



HoBBS, Edward F.; 23; Farmer; Mard.; Enrd. Oct. 15, 1861, Wenham; Det. in 
hospital; Trans, to V. R. C, April 27, 1864; Beverly, Mass. 



Hooper, Samuel S.; 20; Painter; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 8, 1861, Manchester, Mass.; 
on Gun crew; died, April 13, 1862, New Berne. 



Janes, WiLi JAM H.; 22; Farmer; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 12, 1861; Topsfield; Dischgd. 
for Dis. Nov. 12, 1863; died June 14, 1866. 



Jenness, Lorenzo; b. Plymouth, N. H., Oct. 26, 1835; Fruit dealer; Mard.; Lynn 
City Guards; Enrd. Oct. 10, 1861, Marblehead; Sharp-shooter; Dischgd. Exp. 
of Serv.; Ossipee, N. H. 



THE ROSTER. 



155 



Johnson, Eben N.; 21; Laborer; Sing.; Enrd. Nov. 9, 1861, So. Danvers; Pris. 
C. H.; died Andvlle., July i, 1S64. 



King, Rufus; b. Oct. 13, 1847, Bath, Me.; Bookseller; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 18, 1861, 
Somerville; Drummer; Dischgd. for Dis. Oct. 3, 1S63; Mard., one son, two 
daughters; died, Boston, Nov. 14, 1884. 



Lake, John B.; 44; Farmer; Mard.; Enrd. Oct. 12, 1861; Topsfield; Wd. Rke.; 
Dischgd. for Dis. June 10, 1862; died, Feb. 3, 1878, at Boxford. 



Lincoln, John L.; 33; Farmer; Sing.; Enrd. Dec. 31, 1863; Trans, to V. R. C. 
March 7, 1864; Lynn, Mass. 



LuFKiN, Henry; 23; Cordr.; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 8, 186 1, So. Danvers; Dischgd. for 
Dis. Aug. 14, 1863; died, August, 18S5. 



McCloy,John B.; 21; Painter; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 17, 1861, Salem; Dischgd. for 
Dis. March 4, 1862; died, Haverhill, Mass., July 5, 1878. 



McDuFFiE, Augustus P. ; 27; Peddler; Mard.; Enrd. Aug. 8, 1862, Salem; Dischgd. 
Exp. of Serv. ; Salem, Mass. 



Manning, Albert E.; 17; Clerk; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 2, 1861, Salem; Printer on 
Progress; Dischgd. for Prom. 2d Lieut. 1890, U. S. C. T.; Mard., one daughter; 
died, April 29, 1885, at Boston. 



1^6 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

Manning, Charles; 29; Cordr.; Mard.; Enrd. Oct. 12, 1861, Middleton; killed 
Whall., Dec. 16, 1S62. 



Manning, Joseph A.; 19; Clerk; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 8, 1861, Salem; Dischgd.'for 
Prom. Aug. 4, 1863; Mard., one son, two daughters; died suddenly on cars at 
Grand Rapids, Mich., Oct. 26, 1894. 



Martin, Henry; b. Feb. 2, 1S26; Carpenter; Sing.; City Gds.; Enrd. Oct. 28, 1861, 
Salem; Wd. Pbg. ; Dischgd. for Dis. from Wd. Nov. 10, 1864, leaving Hosp. at 
Phila. Nov. 17; Pension; Koxbury, Mass. 



Matthews, Ferdinand; 18; Clerk; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 4, 1861, Salem; Commy. 
on "Pioneer"; died, N. B., June 10, 1862. 



Morse, Charles C; 24; Peddler; Mard.; Enrd. Aug. 8, 1862, Salem; Trans, to 
V. R. C. Feb. 8, 1864; Salem, Mass. 



Monroe, Alexander; 19; Clerk; Sing.; Enrd. Nov. 9, 1861, Salem; Dischgd. Exp. 
of Serv. ; Mard., one son, two daughters; Lawrence, Kan, 



Newhall, George; 20; Farmer; Sing.; Enrd. May 6, 1862, Danvers; Dischgd. Exp. 
of Serv.; Swampscott, Mass. 



NoURSE, George H.; 19; Printer; Sing.; Enrd. May 14, 1862, Salem; Wd. Whall. 
Dec. 16, 1862; Dischgd. for Dis. April 27, 1863; dead. 



THE ROSTER. 157 

Osborne, Frederick M.; 17; Clerk; Sing.; Enrd. Nov. 7, 1861, Salem; Trans, 
to V. R. C. April 27, 1864; Salem, Mass. 



Osgood, George E.; 19; Saddler; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 5, 1861, Salem; on Gun crew; 
Trans, to V. R. C. Feb. 8, 1864; died, Salem, June 5, 1879. 



Peabody, John W. ; 44; Cordr.; Mard.; Enrd. Nov. y, 186 1, Middleton; Dischgd. 
for Dis. Jan. 2, 1864; Last R. 1890; died Jan. 8, 1892. 



Perkins, Eben S.; 26; Mar.; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 16, 1861, Salem; Dischgd. 
Exp. of Serv; Salem, Mass. 



Phippen, George P.; 19; Cordr.; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 10, 1861, Salem; Corpl.; 
Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; Mard.; died, June 24, 1884. 



Pinkham, William A.; 25; Baker; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 15, 1 861, Salem; Wd. N. 
B.; Det. Baker; died, Sept. 30, 1864, Ft. Monroe. 



Prime, William H. H.; b. Oct. 28, 1840; Clerk; Sing.; Salem Cadets; Enrd. 
Oct. 9, 1861, Salem; Hosp. Steward, April, 1862; Dischgd. for Prom. Dec. 6, 
1862, Hosp. Steward U. S. A. ; died, N. B., Sept. 27, 1864. 



Putnam, Edward B.; b. Jan. 23, 1846, Danvers; Printer; Sing.; Salem Lt. 
Infy.; Enrd. May 2, 1862, So. Danvers; Musician; Re-end.; Dischgd. end of 
war. 



158 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

Reed, Benjamin A.; 26; Carpenter; Mard.; Enrd. Oct. 14, 1 861, Salem; Dischgd., 
for Dis. Oct. 27, 1862; Salem, Mass. 



Roberts, John S.; 24; Teamster; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 14, 1861, Salem; Amb. 
Driver; Dischgd. for Dis. Nov. 22, 1863. 



Rollins, Abijah; 28; Stone-cutter; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 16, 1 861, Salem; Dischgd. 
Exp. of Serv. ; dead. 



Rose, Stephen C; Farmer; Sing.; U. D. C; Enrd. Oct. 7, 1861, Marblehead; 
Det. Commy Dept.; Dischgd. for Prom. Aug. 26, 1862, ist Lt. 40th M. V. Inf.; 
Capt. June 9, 1863; Dischgd. for Dis. Jan. 25, 1864; Clifton, Mass. 



Sargent, Charles O.; 23; Carpenter; Sing; Enrd. Oct. 24, 1861, Salem; Det. 
H. Q. Guard 1863, and Q. M. Dept. 1864; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; died N. B. 
Oct. 1865. 



Saunders, Oliver H.; Farmer; 19; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 14, 1861, Hamilton; Wd. 
Whall.; Dischgd. for consequent Dis. March 16, 1863, as Corpl.; Re-end. Dec. 
31, 1863; Det. as Clerk, Orderly, and Reg. R M.; Dischgd. end of war; Mard,, 
thirteen children; Sturgeon Lake, Minn. 



SCRIGGINS, Joshua C. 42; Mar.; Mard.; Enrd. Oct. 22, 1 861, Salem; Det. " Volti- 
geur"; Dischgd. for Dis. Sept. 5, 1862; Last R. 1891; died, March 22, 1894, at 
Soldiers Home, Chelsea. 



THE ROSTER. I59 

Shaw, Brown E.; b. Oct. 24, 1836; Gilder; Sing ; U. D. C; Enrd. Oct. 9, 1861, 
Salem; Det. Q. M. Dept. through Serv.; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; died, Salem, 
June 17, 1870. 



Snapp Phiiip J.- 35; b. France; Bootmaker; Mard.; Enrd. Aug. 6, 1862, Salem; 
Re-end.; ist Sergt. Jan. i, 1865; Wd., Kinston, N. C, March, 1865; Prom, ist 
Lieut., not mustered; Dischgd. from Hosp. end of war; Boston. Mass. 



Snedecor, William; 42; Hotel-keeper; Mard.; Enrd. Dec. 15, 1864, WiUiams- 
burg, N. Y.; Det. Brig. Q. M.; Dischgd. end of war. 



Southward, Samuel S. ; 30; Carriage-maker; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 15, 1861, Salem; 
Gun crew; Dischgd. for Dis. Jan. 13, 1863; Marblehead, Mass. 



Stone, George B.; 2i;-Mason; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 8, 1861, Salem; Dischgd. for 
Dis. Sept. 8, 1862; Salem, Mass. 



Swaney, William H.; 17; Laborer; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 13, 1861, Salem; Wd. D. 
B., May 16, 1864; Captured; died, Richmond, May 24, 1864. 



Symonds, Nathaniel C; 17; Farmer; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 11, 1861, Salem; Det. 
Commy. Dept.; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv. 



Tarbox, Samuel A.; 26; Teamster; Mard.; Enrd. Oct. 8, 1861, Salem; Wagoner; 
Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; Last R. 1889; died, Marblehead, May 9, 1890. 



l60 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

Tebbetts, Andrew R.; 34; Cordr.; Mard.; Enrd. Oct. 16, 1861, Salem; Wd. 
Rke.; Sergt.; Dischgd. for Dis. Sept. 18, 1863; Soldiers Home, Togus, Me. 



Thomas, Eli C; 19; Enrd. Oct. 4, 1862, Salem; Pris., Smithfield, Va.; died, 
AndvUe., Aug. 30, 1864; Bd. there, No. 7,250. 



Thomas, Richard H.; 20; Mar.; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 16, 1861, Salem; Dischgd. 
for Dis. Sept. 2, 1862; Last R. 1889; died, Oct. 18, 1889. 



Thompson, Ivory W.; 21; Farmer; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 15, 1861, Hamilton; 
Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; died, Shapleigh, Me., June 22, 1S83. 



Thornton, John; b. March, 1843, Ireland; Cordr.; Mard.; Enrd. May 19, 1862, 
South Danvers; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; Soldiers Home, Togus, Me. 



TiBBETTS, Alvah; 18; Farmer; Sing.; Enrd. Dec. 31, 1863, Hamilton; Pris., D. 
B.; died, at AndvUe., Aug. 2, 1864; Bd. there, No. 4,634. 



TiLTON, John Prescott; b. April 7, 1842, Lanesville; Clerk; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 16, 
1861, Boston; Corpl. March 27, 1864; Wd. C. H.; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; 
Pension; Mard., two sons, one daughter; Salem, Mass. 



THE ROSTER. 



i6i 



TowNSEND, William Hyle; 19; Mar.; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 23, 186 1, Salem; jCorpl.; 
died, Corps Hospital,' Point of Rocks, Va., July 2, 1S64; Bd. City Point, Va., 
No. 2,872. 



Trask, x\MOS W.; 17; Heelmaker; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 11, 1861, Salem; Dischgd. 
for Dis. Sept. 5, 1862; died. East Boston, Dec. i, 1872. 



Trowt, Andrew D.; b. June 16, 1842; Farmer; Sing.; Enrd. July 25, 1862, 
Wenham; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; Wenham, Mass. 



Trussell, Arthur B.; 20; Farmer; Sing.; Enrd. Feb. 16, 1864, Hamilton; 
Pioneer; Dischgd. Exp, of Serv.; Mard.; died, Boston, Jan. 23, 1892. 



Upham, Oliver Wendell Holmes; 18; Student; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 21, 1861, 
Salem; Dischgd. for Dis. Nov. 22, 1861; Salem, Mass. 



Valentine, Herbert Eugene; b. Jan. 18, 1841, South Danvers; Photographer; 
Sing- Enrd. Oct. 5, 1861, Salem; Det. Commy. « Vidette," Dec. 23, 1 861, to 
May 25, 1862; Clerk R. Q. M. May 25, 1862, to July 20, 1862; A. A. G. office 
Brig. H. Q. Jan. 2, 1863; ist Div. H. Q. June 21, 1864; H. Q. i8th A. C. 
Aug. 20, 1864; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; Mard., one son, one daughter; Somer- 
ville, Mass. 



Wadleigh, Curtis E.; 22; Peddler; Mard.; Enrd. July 28, 1862, Salem; Wd. 
Whall.; Dischgd. for Dis. March 3, 1863; Salem, Mass. 

Waldron, John; 20; Mar.; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 7, 186 1, Salem; Det. " Voltigeur " ; 
Trans, to V. R. C. Feb. 8, 1864; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; Last R., 1889; died 
Salem, May 16, 1890. 



l62 CO. F, 23D MASS. VOLS. 

Wallis, David B.; 19; Farmer; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 15, 186 1, Hamilton; Corpl.; 
Sergt.; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; Lynnfield, Mass. 



Whittredge, John E.; 21; Farmer; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 15, 1861, Hamilton; died, 
N. B., July 8, 1862. 



Wilson, Asa A.; 19; Laborer; Sing.; Enrd. Nov, 21, 1864, Salem; Dischgd. Exp. 
of Serv. 



Winchester, Isaac; 44; Stair-builder; Mard.; Enrd. Aug. 28, 1862, Salem; 
Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; died, Lynn, May 21, 1894. 



Winchester, Silas; 24; b. Dan vers; Cordr.; Mard.; Enrd. Oct. 14, 1861, Salem; 
Corpl.; Re-end.j Pris. D. B.; died, Oct. 19, 1864, Florence, S. C. 



WOLCOTT, Royal E.; 29; Machinist; Mard.; Enrd. Oct. 8, 1 861, Salem ; Dischgd. 
for Dis. Sept. 8, 1862; Hilltop, Kan. 



Woodbury, Josiah H.; 21; Morocco dresser; Sing.; Enrd. Oct. 9, 1861, Salem; 
Det. Med. Purv. 1863-4; Dischgd. Exp. of Serv.; Last R., 1895; di^<^' Salem, 
Aug. 5, 1895. 



NDEX 



Almon, A. B., 
Almy, Hiram H., 
Amphions, 
Andrew, Governor, 
Arrington, B. F., 
Arrowfield Church, 
Ashby's Harbor, 



Bancroft, Geo. C., 
'• Barbuz Shope," 
Barrett, Geo. V., 79, 8i, 87, 88, 98, 144 

Batchelder's Creek, 53, 56 
Bates, Chas. H., 9, 51, 52, 54, 55, 57 

Becker, Peter, 126 

Bermuda Hundred, 108 

Bertram, Capt. John, 10, 14 

Bird Houses, 90 

Bogue Banks, 80 

Bowdoin, Dr., 24 

Brewster, Capt. E. A. P., 1 1 

Brigade, Red Star, 105 

Briggs, Dr. Geo. W., 10 

Brooks, Samuel H., 23, 51 

Brown, Harry, 18, jj 
Browne, Ezra L., 

29, 51, 83, 92, 97, 98, 102, 121, 126 
Bunker, Frank R., 81, 97, 102, 126, 131 

Burchstead, David W., 97, 102 

Burning Bridge, 52 

Burning Woods, 76 

Burnside, Gen. A. E., 23, 37, 43 

Burnside's Mine, 133 

Caird, Frank S., 43 

California Furnaces, 24 

Cameron, Secretary of War, 23 



14 


Camp John A. Andrew, 


23 


75 


Bertram, 


15 


I, 12, 15 


Chambers, 


138 


18 


Dale, 


89 


32,53 


Pendleton, 


66 


no 


Phtenix, 


100 


38 


Russell, 


83 




Schouler, 


17 


14 


at Cobb's Hill, 


108 


29 


Barracks on Fair Ground, 


92 



Quarters on Pollock Street, 

New Berne, 59 

Carleton, J. G. S., 84, 138 
Carlton, David, 

51,55, 72,90, loi, 113, 116 

Carolina City, 79 

Census Taking, 78 

Center, Captain, 54 
Chap^;le, Wm. F., 17, 26, 90, 136 

Christmas Day, 99 

Cold Harbor, 118 

College, Hustling through, 22 

Cooper's Shop, 22 

Court Martial, Mock, 26 

Clarke, Chaplain, 54, 60 
Crocker, Josiah M., 

90, 93, 102, 103, 109, 113, 115, 123, 

124, 126 

Cummings, Edw. (S.), 5' 

Curly, 17, 136 

Daniels, Wm. F., 115, 120, 122, 124, 133 
Dayton, Captain, 38, 45, 48 

Derby, Putnam T., 24, 60, 85 

Derby, Dr., 55. 62 

Dodge, Allen W., 10 



164 



INDEX, 



Dodge, Frank S., 



49. 5 1' 90. 98 



Dodge, Andrew, 95, 99, 100, no, 114 



Dodge, George A., 
Dodge, J. Whitman, 
Dow, Charles M., 
Driver, Geo. H. S., 
Driver, Stephen P., 
Dudley, Charles, 
Dudley, Geo. W., 
Dudley, John S., 



87 

131. 139 

91 

26, 27, 29 

i5> 63, 85 

116, 142 

95 
98 



Edgerly, Chas. E., 

Ellison, Albert C, 75, 97. 

Emilio, I.uis F., 

26, 39, 50, 73, 75, 76, 83, 85 
Emmerton, Geo. R., 9, 1 1, 57, 62 
Emmerton, Jas. A., 

11.39.54.56,90. 125, 
Endicott, W. C, 
Evans Mill, 
Expedition, Cedar Point, 

Goldsboro, 

No. Edisto River, 

Smithfield, 

So. Carolina, 

Winton, 



139 
126 

.87 
,63 

127 
10 

77 
92 



102 
81 
93 



Farley, James H., 
Fields, Charles, 
Fischer, Wm. F., 
Flag, The Striped, 
Flags of Truce, 
Flapjacks, 
Forrest, John, 
Fort Darling, 
Foster, Gen. J. G., 
Fowler, Philip M., 
Freshet in the Ravine, 



90, 103, 



43 

27 

124, 134 

73 

125, 134 

46 

141 

112 

25, 44. 49, 61 

23,85 

135 



Gardner, Albert G., 142 

Getty's Station, 100 

Glazier, Jas. E., 46, 55' ^4, 138, I39 

Glee Club, 63 

Gray, John, 39> 53 



" Granite," Sloop, 
Grosvenor, Edward P. 
Gun Crew, 



38 
116 

39 



Hart, Samuel C, 35, 60 

Hail Storm, 107 

Hatteras Inlet, 36 
Hayward, Chas. H., 

53, 59, 62, 75, 88, 90, 91, 94 

Heckman, Gen. C. A., 105, 117, 137 

Hicks, Governor, 22 

" Highlander," 30, 34, 39 



" Highway, It 's a " (song), 
Hilton Head, 
Hiltz, Jacob C, 
Hinckley, Geo. O., 
Holiday Sports, 
Hooper, Samuel S., 
House torn down, 
Howe, Col. Frank, 
Hucksters, 
Huntington, Ashael, 
Hussar, 



Ives, Stephen B., 

Jackson's, 
Jewels, The, 
Johnson, Eben N., 

Kimball, E. W., 
Kinston, 
Knapsack Drill, 
Kurtz, Col. John, 

Lake, John B., 
Lee, Frank H., 
Lincoln, Mrs. A., 
Lord, Otis P., 
Lufkin, Henry, 

Manning, A. E., 
Manning, Rev. A. E., 
Manning, Charles, 



28 

82 

27, 29 

75. "6 

99 

26, 32, 39, 56 

62 

21 

25 
10, 14 

34.46 



54 

16 

26, 109, 126 



71 

67 

25,30, 51.67 

43 
15, 23, 25, 27, 63 
21 
10 
95 



53 
24 

75.78 







INDEX. 


I 


65 


Manning, J. Albert, 




78 


Prime, Wm. H. H., 26, 50, 57 


63. 


140 


Manning, R. C, 




14 


Promotions, 




62 


Mansfield, Geo. S., 


77. 


lOI 


Provost Court, 




62 


i\Iarket, 




60 


Putnam, Edw. B., 117^ 


139, 


143 


Martin, Henry, 


98, 


131 








Martin, Captain, 




54 


" Rally Round the Flag," 




75 


Margali, Jose, 




24 


Raymond, Captain, 




"5 


Matthews, Ferd., 


29 


,60 


Recruiting, 


13 


. 94 


Merritt, Henry, 


II, 15 


,49 


Recruit from Ipswich, 




19 


Mine, Burnside's, 




m 


Red House, 




57 


Mine, 23d, 




134 


Rescue, 




35 


Mocking Birds, 




85 


Rideout, Justin, 




14 


Money, Pot of. 




83 


Roanoke Association, 




38 


Monroe, Alec., 




26 


Cemetery, 




46 


Monroe, Fortress, 




33 


Landing, 




38 


" Morton, James " (ship). 




81 


Swamp, 




42 


Morse, Chas. C, 




lOI 


Robinson, Aunt Hannah, 




139 


Mustered In, 




26 


Robbins, Louis'L., 23, 26, 3 
Rockville, S. C, 


S,47 


.51 
86 


Naval Academy, 




22 


Rogers, R. D,, 




24 


New Berne, Action, 




49 








Progress, 




53 


Salem, March to. 




18 


On Patrol, 




59 


Sand Flies, 




86 


Negro Visitors, 




27 


Sargent, Charles 0., 64, 84, 98, 


138 


Newcomb, Caleb H., 




9 


Saunders, Oliver H., 


75. 


lOI 


Nichols, Wm., 





59 


School, Negro, 




65 


Northend, W. D., 


10 


) 11 


Scriggins, J. C, 




29 


Nourse, Geo. H., 




75 


Shaw, Brown E., 
Silver Medal, 




139 

100 


Ode, Patriotic, 




12 


Silsbee, J. B., 




24 


Osborne, Fred. M., 




139 


Slocum's Creek, 




47 


Osgood, Geo. E., 


39. 77. 


lOI 


Smithfield, Scout, 




103 


Ovens, Out-door, 


26,54 


,89 


Snapp, Philip J., loi, 103, 


141, 


143 








Southward, Samuel S., 26, 39, 44, 50, 55 


Palmer, Rev. C. R., 




24 


Spaulding, Rev. Willard, 


10, 1 1 


Peabody, S. E., 




24 


Steamer, " Admiral Dupont," 




140 


Peirce, Henry B., 




103 


" Charles Thomas," 




140 


Petersburg, 




128 


" Escort," 


94. 


100 


" Petersburg Express," 




131 


" George Weems," 




105 


Phillips, Stephen H., 




24 


"John D. Pentz," 




102 


Phillips, Willard P., 




10 


" Maple Leaf," 




96 


Phippen, Geo. P., 


77. 


102 


" Mcntauk," 




107 


Pinkham, Wm. A., 


51. 139. 


140 


" Pilot Boy," 




38 


Prayer Meeting, 




64 


" Phrenix," 




89 



1 66 



INDEX. 



Steamer, " S. R. Spaulding, 


46 


" Star," 


22 


" State of Maine," 


21 


"Thome," 


140 


" Union," 


46, 81 


" United States," 


86 


« Utica," 


93 


" Wenonah," 


138 


St. Helena Island, 


82 


Stoves, Camp, 


24,97 


Stone, Geo. B., 


26 


Stowell, John D., 


85,98 


Straw Hats, 


95 


Sunday Drills, 


80, 85 


Swift Creek, 


III 


Swimming, 


61 


Swaney, William H., 


74, 106, 116 


Swash, The, 


36 


Sword Presentation, 


98 


Symonds, Nath'l C, 


90 


Target Shooting, 


99 


Tents, Shelter, 


96 


A, 


97 


Stockaded, 


91 


Tebbetts, A. R., 


77.78 


Testament, Lost, 


44 


Thanksgiving, 


25,66 


Thayer, Edw. F., 


20 


Thayer, Rev. J- H., 


10, II, 14 


Theatre, 


102 


Thomas, Eli C, 


103 


Thompson, Ivory W., 


132 


Thompson, Rev. Dr., 


24 


Thornton, John, 


102 


Tibbetts, Alvah, 


116 


Tilton, John P., 




23,26, 75, 76, 98, 


114, 123, 126 


Tree Barricade, 


71 


Townsend, Wm. H., 26, 


29, 90, 91, 132 


Trenches, Life in the, 


129 


Troubles, Regimental, 


83 


Trowt, Andrew D., 




77.97' "O 


114, 132, 136 



Tuckerman, Dr., 
Tuscarora, 

Union Drill Club, 

C)rganization, 
Officers, 
Uniform, 
Duties, 

Upham, Mrs. C. W., 

Upham, W. P., 



24 

57 

9 
9 
9 
9 
10 
12 



Valentine, H. E., 

15, 23, 29, 59, 63, 76, 79, 98, 141 



Very, E., 
" Voltigeur," 



59 
29 



Wadleigh, Curtis E., 75 

Waldron, John, 29, 77, loi 

Wallis, David B., 98, no, 115, 122 

Water, Scarcity of, 36 

Waters, Edw. S., 24 

Waters, Henry F., 9, 31, 32, 34, 139 

Webb, Jos. H., 9. 16 

Webl), Stephen P., 10, 1 1 

West, Dr., 51 

Wells (St. Helena), 83 

Wheeler, Richard P., 

23,62,79,84,92, 115, 117 
Whipple, Geo. M., 

9, II, 17, 21, 30, 41, 51, 54, 55, 57. 
60, 62, 63, 68, 77, 84, 88, 90 



Whitehall, 73 

Whittredge, John E., 60 

Wildes, Rev. Geo. D., 9, 10, 11, 19 

Williams, General, 30 

Winchester, Isaac, I39 

Winchester, Silas, 116 

Wolcott, Royal E., 53 

Woodbury, Josiah H., 

29, 57. 63, 90, 91. 95. "39 
Woodbury, Henry P., 

91, 92, 98, 113, 122, 125, 126, 136, 143 
Worcester, Dr., 18 



Young Men's Union, 



14 



MOV 6 1900 



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